Solid-State Monolithic Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Exceeding 10% Efficiency Using a Copper-Complex Hole Transport Material and a Carbon Counter-Electrode

The continuous growth of the Internet of Things devices operating indoor triggers the development of indoor photovoltaic (iPV) technologies to power them. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with Cu-based complexes as hole transport material (HTM) and organic sensitizers are among the most efficient, safe, and sustainable options for iPVs. The typical copper-mediated DSSCs are assembled in the conventional configuration using PEDOT:PSS counter-electrodes. Herein, a highly efficient solid-state monolithic DSSCs with a copper-complex HTM and a carbon counter-electrode are developed. The monolithic structure allows a low-cost and direct design for producing in-series modules, which is very attractive for the market-scale production of iPVs. Typical devices display average power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of approximate to 9.5%-10% under 1-sun simulated solar light provided by a Class ABA light-emitting diode Solar Simulator. The best energy performing device renders a stable PCE of 10.4% under 1-sun and PCEs of 26.1% and 28.5% under 600 lx and 1000 lx indoor light, respectively. The performance of a typical device is independently confirmed at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Research, with a certified PCE of 8.7% using a Class AAA Xenon Solar Simulator (AM1.5 G, 25 degrees C). Solid-state monolithic dye-sensitized solar cells using a carbon counter-electrode and a copper-complex hole transport material are presented. The monolithic structure is attractive for market-scale production of indoor photovoltaics, since it allows a low-cost and direct design for producing in series modules. The best-performing device displays power conversion efficiencies of 10.4% and 28.5% under 1-sun and 1000 lx, respectively.image (c) 2023 WILEY-VCH GmbH