Finding new wide-bandgap nano-crystalline p-doped semiconductor materials alternative to the commonly used NiO is crucial for p-type Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (p-DSSCs) to reach higher energy conversion efficiency. Here we report the hydrothermal synthesis of delafossite CuGaO2 p-type semiconductor with the nanoplate morphology and its application in p-DSSCs with a record open-circuit voltage (Voc). The CuGaO2-based p-DSSCs has a significantly higher Voc (~180mV) with simple LiI/I2 electrolyte and a record Voc as 357mV with the Co2+/3+(dtb-bpy) electrolyte. The saturation-Voc of CuGaO2-DSSCs were obtained as 243mV with simple LiI/I2 electrolyte; and as 464mV with the Co2+/3+(dtb-bpy) electrolyte, respectively. It is demonstrated that nano-CuGaO2 has an outstanding performance as photo-cathodes in p-DSSCs, and is intrinsically better than NiO. This normal ternary oxide with lower valence band edge, lighter color and inexpensive synthesis cost is a promising candidate to achieve the goal of better-performance p-DSSCs and tandem-DSSCs in the future.

Delafossite CuGaO<sub>2</sub> nanoplates for high photovoltage p-type dye-sensitized solar cells

245th National Meeting (2013)

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Delafossite CuGaO2 nanoplates for high photovoltage p-type dye-sensitized solar cells

Delafossite CuGaO₂ nanoplates for high photovoltage p-type dye-sensitized solar cells