One Dimensional CuInS2-ZnS Heterostructured Nanomaterials as Low-Cost and High-Performance Counter Electrodes of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Wurtzite CuInS2-ZnS heterostructured nanorods are synthesized via a seed-assisted synthetic route. Cu1.94S-ZnS heterostructured nanorods are transformed into CuInS2-ZnS by reacting with indium ions to convert copper sulfide to wurtzite CuInS2. The shapes of the CuInS2-ZnS heterostructured nanorods can be tuned from burning torch-like to longer rod-like by varying the concentration of added indium. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using these heterostructured nanocrystals as counter electrodes had a power conversion efficiency (7.5%) superior to DSSCs made with conventional platinum electrode (7.1%) under the same device configuration.