The brief study of ZnO/PEDOT:PSS counter electrode in DSSC Based on solid electrolyte YSZ

Abstract

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is a photovoltaic technology that is eco-friendly, has affordable costs, an easy fabrication process, and high power conversion efficiency. The application of solid electrolytes in DSSC is a promising option compared to using liquid electrolytes because liquid electrolytes easily cause corrosion on the photoanode and counter electrode. The role of the counter electrode in DSSC is crucial to speed up the electron transfer process to enhance the performance of DSSC devices. Much research on DSSC still uses a lot of platinum and graphene which are relatively expensive and supplies are limited. Therefore, this research will develop a low-cost and easy to fabricate counter electrode made of ZnO/PEDOT:PSS composite. Adding ZnO in PEDOT:PSS polymer can obtain higher catalytic activity, that can accelerate oxidation–reduction reactions to improve the performance of DSSC solar cells. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the addition of ZnO mass to the ZnO/PEDOT: PSS composite can increase lattice parameters, crystal size, porosity values, and light absorbance. Based on the I-V testing, it shows that the addition of ZnO mass to the ZnO/PEDOT:PSS composite results in the highest efficiency of 3.29%.