Investigation of the Electron Transfer Kinetics at the Electrode- Bound Dye / Electrolyte Interface for Photoelectrochemical Cells

<p dir="ltr">Electron transfer kinetics at the electrode-bound dye / electrolyte interface of dyesensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been investigated to minimize the electron recombination kinetics or accelerate the dye regeneration kinetics. In most of the previous reports, electron transfer studies were conducted in the presence of a full electrolyte in DSSC. The full electrolyte typically consists of a redox mediator (both oxidized and reduced species), a performance-enhancing additive, and a supporting electrolyte. The interaction of additives with the redox mediator and the dye-adsorbed electrode surface can affect the interfacial electron recombination and dye regeneration processes. To find out the inherent ability of the dye or redox mediator to prevent the electron recombination reaction or to enhance the dye regeneration reaction, interfacial electron transfer studies must be scrutinized only in the presence of electron donor and electron acceptor without the additives.</p>