A stable and efficient quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell with a low molecular weight organic gelator

Abstract

High power conversion efficiency and long-term stability are significant targets for practical applications of dye-sensitized solar cells. Here, we present a quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell that incorporates a low molecular weight organic gelator-based electrolyte in conjunction with a high-absorptivity ruthenium sensitizer C105, exhibiting an impressive power conversion efficiency of 9.1%. By means of transient absorption and electrical impedance measurements, we scrutinize the impacts of the additive low molecular weight organic gelator in a low-volatility 3-methoxypropionitrile electrolyte on the photovoltaic characteristics of dye-sensitized solar cells with a sensitizer C105. The quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell also retains excellent thermal and light-soaking stability during 1000-h accelerated aging tests.