Quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells with a novel efficient absorbent for liquid electrolyte based on PAA–PEG hybrid

A novel efficient absorbent for liquid electrolyte based on poly(acrylic acid)–poly(ethylene glycol) (PAA–PEG) hybrid is prepared. The highest value of liquid electrolyte absorbency about 3.65 is achieved. The polymer gel electrolyte shows a moderate value of ionic conductivity about 3.24 mS cm−1 and high chemical stability. Based on the polymer gel electrolyte, a quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell was fabricated and its overall energy conversion efficiency of 3.19% was obtained under irradiation of 100 mW cm−2.