Controllable Formation of Efficient CuSe Counter Electrodes for Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells

We report a novel method to prepare efficient CuSe counter electrodes for quantum dot sensitized solar cells. The CuSe films are deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide substrates using a two-step solution-based method. The unique morphology and excellent catalytic property of the CuSe films are characterized thoroughly. Employing this novel counter electrode, the CdSe quantum dot sensitized solar cells exhibit the best power conversion efficiency of 5.77%, outperforming the reference devices applying Cu2S counter electrodes. The preparation method is transferable to fabricate other metal selenide functional electrodes, promising a broader application in solar cells. (c) 2017 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.