High-efficiency quantum dot sensitized solar cells based on flexible rGO-Cu2S electrodes compared with PbS, CuS, Cu2S CEs

This study investigated the reduced graphene oxide bonded to Cu2S nanoparticles as the counter electrode's material for quantum dot sensitized solar cell fabrication. The materials were prepared under optimal conditions, and their structure, surface morphology and electrochemical properties were characterized. The complete quantum dot sensitized solar cells, assembled by different prepared counter electrodes, were evaluated to compare the electrochemical properties of the FTO@rGO-Cu2S with those of the FTO@CuS, FTO@PbS and FTO@Cu2S counter electrodes. As a result, the FTO@rGO-Cu2S counter electrodes yielded the highest power conversion efficiency of 5.24% and had the most negligible counter electrode/electrolyte interface resistance of 11.1 Ω, indicating the superior electrochemical properties of the rGO-Cu2S material. [Display omitted] •High performance of QDSSCs based on FTO@rGO-Cu2S electrodes.•Comparison of performance with the different electrodes.•Study the electrochemistry of cathodes.