Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as a hole conductor in solid state dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract All solid state dye sensitized solar cells were fabricated using chemically polymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as a hole transport phase. Treatment of an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl)slufonyl)amide (EMImTf 2 N) on the electrode after polymerization dramatically improved the I – V characteristics of the cells under the dark. Addition of tert -butylpyridine ( t BP) and LiTf 2 N to EMImTf 2 N solution provided further improvement of the photovoltaic performance. The conversion efficiency of the EMImTf 2 N treated cells remained stable at least 45 days without any sealing. This stability was associated with the high stability of PEDOT and EMImTf 2 N.

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