Graphene wrapped NiSe2 nanocomposite-based counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

Abstract

Strengthening electrical conductivity of metal combine with carbon based content is benefit for improving activity of photovoltaic system. Herein, we designed a NiSe2/graphene hybrid, constructed by NiSe2 nanocrystals homogeneously anchored on the graphene nanosheets, is fabricated through a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The crystallographic, morphology, optical and textural properties of samples were analyzed by XRD, SEM, TEM, UV, PL and BET analysis. The fabricated NiSe2/graphene applied as a counter electrode (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for the first time, which displays remarkable catalytic activity in the reduction of I3−. The DSSC with a NiSe2/graphene CE produces higher power conversion efficiency (10.6%) than bare NiSe2 CE (6.04%) under the same conditions. Hence, NiSe2/graphene products have great potential applications as the CE of DSSCs and can be an efficient method to substitute for Pt in DSSCs.