Improved stability quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell based on polyether framework gel electrolytes

We report three improved stability dye-sensitized TiO2 photoelectrochemical cells using quasi-solid polymer electrolytes containing poly(propylene oxide) (PPO), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (P123). After introducing the polyether into the liquid electrolyte, the parameters of these quasi-solid-state solar cells are 90% comparable to that of the liquid photochemical cells, although the conductivities of these polyether framework gel electrolytes are lower than that of the bulk liquid electrolyte. The different morphologies of dried liquid electrolyte and the polyether gel electrolytes are characterized with an atomic force microscope (AFM) to explain the better stability exhibited by the polyether gel electrolytes.