One dimensional CuInS2–ZnS heterostructured nanomaterials as low-cost and high-performance counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

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.