V₂O₅ as an inexpensive counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells

In pursuit of an abundant, inexpensive and stable counter electrode as an alternative to platinum for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), we report a new, low-cost substitute material. Here for the first time, we demonstrate that V₂O₅ can be used as a counter electrode material in DSSCs. We note that the efficiency of DSSCs with commercialV₂O₅ and hydrothermal treatedV₂O₅ are upto 1.2% and 1.6%, respectively. The results indicate that, with optimization, V₂O₅ can be a promising choice to replace platinum from a cost perspective. The innovation of new economical counter electrodes offers a potential way to cut down the industrial costs which is crucial for large-scale production and commercial applications of DSSCs.