Efficient dye-sensitized solar cells based on hydroquinone/benzoquinone as a bioinspired redox couple.

A hybrid electrolyte involving tetramethylammonium (TMA) hydroquinone/benzoquinone redox couple is formulated. This electrolyte is more transparent than the traditional I(-)/I(3)(-) electrolyte and has negligible absorption in the visible region. Dye-sensitized solar cells using the hybrid electrolyte show higher light-to-electricity conversion efficiency. FTO=fluorine-doped tin oxide.