SnX (X = S, Se) thin films as cost-effective and highly efficient counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells.

Solution-deposited SnSe and SnS thin films demonstrate excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the triiodide reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), even better than that of the conventional noble Pt electrode used in DSCs. An enhanced photovoltaic efficiency with the maximum value of 9.4% was thus achieved, higher than that with Pt (9.0%).