Cobalt derivatives as counter electrodes in dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract

In this report, we composite cobalt and carbon black (CB) as the counter electrodes to replace the conventional platinum in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The basic cobalt derivatives, Co12 and Co15, showed the capability with proper JSC and VOC, but poor FF of the device. After mixing with CB, the device performances were enhanced obviously. The further improve was done by combine Co derivative and CB to form the new type material CoCB as the counter electrode. The great conductivity and redox ability enhanced both JSC and VOC, the optimized device showed the efficiency of 7.38%, higher than the conventional Pt electrode of 7.00%. The result showed the potential of cobalt derivatives as the counter electrode of DSSCs.