All-solid-state quantum dot-sensitized solar cell from plastic crystal electrolyte

Abstract

A plastic crystal based solid-state electrolyte composing of plastic crystal succinonitrile and sodium sulfide (Na₂S) is creatively synthesized by a simple blending approach. The ionic conductivity, charge-transfer ability, and photovoltaic performance are optimized by adjusting the succinonitrile/Na₂S ratio. An optimal power conversion efficiency of 1.29% is measured for its quantum dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) under one sun irradiation. The impressive efficiency along with the simple preparation of the cost-effective Na₂S integrated succinonitrile electrolytes highlights the potential application of plastic crystal electrolytes in solid-state QDSSCs.