Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene] as a Hole-Transporting Material

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Abstract
Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), consisting of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene] (MEHPPV) as a hole-transporting material, an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode, and a titanium dioxide (TiO2) electrode, were studied with respect to the factors affecting their properties. The morphology of TiO2 electrodes, which was controlled by changing preparation conditions, affected the performance of solid-state DSSCs, and cells with a TiO2 electrode having a smooth surface showed better properties. The carrier transportation between the TiO2 layer and the MEHPPV layer was one of the most important factors that determined the overall efficiency of the solar cells. This carrier transportation process was improved by the addition of an interlayer consisting of potassium iodide (KI) and iodine (I2). In addition to improving the carrier transportation, this KI/I2 blend interlayer also improved the pore filling of the solid-state DSSC. By controlling these parameters, a solid-state DSSC was obtained, with a short-circuit current density of about 1.51 mA/cm2, an open circuit voltage of about 0.65 V, a fill factor of about 0.5, and an energy conversion efficiency of about 0.51%.