Large-Area Electrodeposition of Counterelectrodes Utilizing the Same Integrated Conductive Grid for Fabrication of Parallel Flexible Dye Solar Cell Modules

A method to seamlessly integrate the fabrication of parallel flexible modules and the electrodeposition (ED) of the counterelectrode (CE) catalyst layer over large areas is presented. The method is based on conductive grids to deliver efficient and uniform ED layers over large areas. Together with the control of the ED parameters, we were able to tune the catalytic ability and transmittance of the CE, crucial in back, CE-illuminated devices based on metallic photoelectrodes. The fabrication process of metal/plastic parallel modules was streamlined, since the same conductive grid used for the CE manufacturing process was then utilized as current collecting fingers in the finished photovoltaic module. Module efficiency of 3.1% on active area was achieved, which represents the best result for a flexible dye solar module equipped with patterned electrodeposited platinum CE so far.