CuS thin film grown using the one pot, solution-process method for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

Abstract

The counter electrode has a great influence on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, efforts have been made to develop a platinum (Pt)-free, low-cost, copper sulfide (CuS) counter electrode for application in DSSCs. CuS thin film was successfully grown on a conducting and non-conducting substrate using a low temperature, one pot, solution-process method. The as-synthesized CuS thin film was utilized in the DSSCs as a counter electrode (CE). The CE demonstrated good electrocatalytic properties and a photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.03% when used in DSSCs. It was also comparable with devices made using platinum counter electrodes. Synthesized CuS thin film with excellent electrocatalytic properties could serve as an alternative counter electrode in DSSC fabrication. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.