Fabrication of copper oxide-based dye-sensitized solar cell with high short-circuit current density (JSC) using flexible and binder-free porous photoelectrode

Fabrication of flexible p-type dye-sensitized solar cells with large short-circuit current (J(SC)) and open circuit voltage (V-OC) is still a challenging problem. In this context, we report the construction and testing of a p-type dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) based on a porous Cu2O thin film on copper substrate as a free-binder photoelectrode, using P1 dye and an electrolyte based on the I-3(-)/I- redox couple. A simple and low-cost hydrothermal method is proposed using ethyl cellulose or polyvinylpyrrolidone as a surfactant to synthesize the porous Cu2O thin film on copper substrate. The best cell yielded a high short-circuit current density J(SC) of 11.7 mA cm(-2), an open-circuit voltage V-OC of 0.502 V and a power conversion efficiency eta of 1.32% under 1 sun. The porous structure of the Cu2O film caused by ethyl cellulose is responsible for the high J(SC), providing the high dye loading capacity of the DSSC due to their large specific surface areas and highly efficient visible light-harvesting ability. Even if further improvement is requested, the high short-circuit current density value highlighted that this flexible photocathode could be considered an interesting candidate for the development of flexible p-type or tandem dye-sensitized solar cells.

Automated summary

The study presents the fabrication and testing of a flexible p-type dye-sensitized solar cell based on a porous Cu2O thin film on a copper substrate, utilizing P1 dye and an electrolyte with the I-3(-)/I- redox couple. A simple and cost-effective hydrothermal method with ethyl cellulose as a surfactant is proposed for synthesizing the porous Cu2O film. The best cell achieved high performance under 1 sun conditions, showcasing potential for the development of flexible p-type or tandem dye-sensitized solar cells.