Solution-Processed Transparent Nickel-Mesh Counter Electrode with in-Situ Electrodeposited Platinum Nanoparticles for Full-Plastic Bifacial Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

45 Scopus Citations
View graph of relations

Author(s)

  • Arshad Khan
  • Yu-Ting Huang
  • Tsutomu Miyasaka
  • Masashi Ikegami
  • Wen-Di Li

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8083-8091
Journal / PublicationACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume9
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - 8 Mar 2017
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

A new type of embedded metal-mesh transparent electrode (EMTE) with in-situ electrodeposited catalytic platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) is developed as a high-performance counter electrode (CE) for lightweight flexible bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The thick but narrow nickel micromesh fully embedded in a plastic film provides superior electrical conductivity, optical transmittance, and mechanical stability to the novel electrode. PtNPs decorated selectively on the nickel micromesh surface provide catalytic function with minimum material cost and without interfering with optical transparency. Facile and fully solution-processed fabrication of the novel CE is demonstrated with potential for scalable and cost-effective production. Using this PtNP-decorated nickel EMTE as the CE and titanium foil as the photoanode, unifacial flexible DSSCs are fabricated with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.91%. By replacing the titanium foil with a transparent ITO-PEN photoanode, full-plastic bifacial DSSCs are fabricated and tested, demonstrating a remarkable PCE of 4.87% under rear-side illumination, which approaches 85% of the 5.67% PCE under front-side illumination, among the highest ratio in published results. These promising results reveal the enormous potential of this hybrid transparent CE in scalable production and commercialization of low-cost and efficient flexible DSSCs.

Research Area(s)

  • embedded metal mesh, flexible bifacial DSSCs, in-situ electrodeposition, platinum nanoparticles, transparent counterelectrodes

Bibliographic Note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Citation Format(s)

Solution-Processed Transparent Nickel-Mesh Counter Electrode with in-Situ Electrodeposited Platinum Nanoparticles for Full-Plastic Bifacial Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. / Khan, Arshad; Huang, Yu-Ting; Miyasaka, Tsutomu et al.
In: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Vol. 9, No. 9, 08.03.2017, p. 8083-8091.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review