A review on PEDOT-based counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a promising alternative for the Si solar cell due to its low-cost and easy fabrication. As a novel conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has attracted much attention for DSSCs. In this review article, the progress of PEDOT-based counter electrodes for DSSCs is presented. First, the properties and structure of PEDOT are briefly described, and its feasibility as a DSSC counter electrode is demonstrated. Then, the effect of various treatments on the electrical conductivity and catalytic activity of PEDOT as well as its stability is examined. Furthermore, efficient and low-cost composite counter electrodes consisting of PEDOT and other materials are deeply discussed. Finally, an outlook for PEDOT counter electrodes is provided. Copyright (C) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.