A novel monodisperse metal nanoparticles anchored graphene oxide as Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Addressed herein, Bare Platinum (Pt) and microwave assisted synthesized platinum nanoparticles (Mw-Pt NPs@GO) decorated graphene oxide are used as counter electrode materials in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Mw-Pt NPs@GO nanocomposites was easily and efficiently prepared by using the microwave assistance method. The morphological characterization of Mw-Pt NPs@GO was fully characterized by employing several techniques such as XRD, TEM, HR-TEM, Raman and XPS method. Pt and Mw-Pt NPs@GO counter electrodes were prepared by a simple coating method to produce homogeneous electrode layers. The DSSCs with Pt and Mw-Pt NPs@GO counter electrodes exhibited an overall power conversion efficiencies of ∼ 6.58 and ∼ 7.96 %, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveal that the DSSC with Mw-Pt NPs@GO counter electrode exhibits higher electro-catalytic activity and lower charge transfer resistance at the electrode/electrolyte interface (in comparison to the DSSC with Pt) resulting in higher conversion efficiency. Moreover, the microstructural features of Mw-Pt NPs@GO are found to be suitable for its improved interaction with the liquid electrolyte and the enhanced electro-catalytic activity at its surface.