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Electrochemical Properties of Cu(II/I)-Based Redox Mediators for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Marina FreitagORCiD

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Abstract

© 2016 Elsevier LtdThree Cu(II/I)-phenanthroline and Cu(II/I)-bipyridine redox mediators are studied on various electrodes and in variety of electrolyte solutions using cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy on symmetrical dummy cells. Graphene-based catalysts provide comparably high activity to PEDOT, and both catalysts outperform the activity of platinum. The charge-transfer kinetics and the diffusion rate significantly slowdown in the presence 4-tert-butylpyridine. This effect is specific only for Cu-mediators (is missing for Co-mediators), and is ascribed to a sensitivity of the coordination sphere of the Cu(II)-species to structural and substitutional changes. The ‘Zombie Cells’ made from symmetrical PEDOT/PEDOT devices exhibit enhanced charge-transfer rate and enhanced diffusion resistance. Electrochemically clean Cu(II)-bipyridine species are prepared, for the first time, by electrochemical oxidation of the parent Cu(I) complexes. Our preparative electrolysis brings numerous advantages over the standard chemical syntheses of the Cu(II)-bipyridine complexes. The superior performance of electrochemically-grown clean Cu(II)-bipyridine complex is demonstrated on practical dye-sensitized solar cells.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Kavan L, Saygili Y, Freitag M, Zakeeruddin SM, Hagfeldt A, Gratzel M

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Electrochimica Acta

Year: 2017

Volume: 227

Pages: 194-202

Print publication date: 10/02/2017

Online publication date: 30/12/2016

Acceptance date: 28/12/2016

ISSN (print): 0013-4686

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2016.12.185

DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.12.185

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