Graphene counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells prepared by electrophoretic deposition

The graphene counter electrodes (GCEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) prepared by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) are reported. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out to find the optimum annealing temperatures. It was found that charge transfer resistance (R-ct1) related to the interface between electrolyte and counter electrode was significantly reduced by proper annealing. DSSC with GCE annealed at 600 degrees C demonstrated by the best conversion efficiency of 5.69% under AM 1.5 and 1 sun condition. Once GCE prepared by EPD is fully developed, it could be utilized for a low-cost, high throughput process for DSSCs.