Carbon based composite counter electrodes for third generation solar cells

Abstract

The use of conventional energy resources for electricity generation newlinehas contributed to pollution, global warming and climate change. This newlinenecessitated the shift towards the use of cleaner and sustainable energy newlineresources for electricity generation. Solar energy is regarded as a highly newlinedesirable source due to its abundant and inexhaustible character. Therefore, newlinediverse solar cell technologies are examined to convert the light energy into newlineelectrical energy. Among the emerging third generation solar cells, Quantum newlineDot Sensitized Solar Cells (QDSSCs) seems promising due to the versatile newlineproperties of quantum dots such as high molar extinction co-efficient, size newlinetunable properties and multiple exciton generation capability etc. newlineIn Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells (QDSSCs) counter newlineelectrode is an indispensable component responsible for charge collection newlinefrom external circuit. Thus, it is vital for the counter electrode material to newlinehave high conductivity, good electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of the newlineredox couple and fast charge transfer kinetics at the electrode/electrolyte newlineinterface. CuS is widely used as counter electrode material in QDSSCs due to newlineits good catalytic activity in polysulfide electrolyte. newline newline