Great enhancement in power conversion efficiency of DSSCs with Ni0.85Se nanoparticles as counter electrode in contrast to matrix nickel particles

Abstract

Pure nickel nanoparticles with diameter around 100 nm were prepared with a moderate hydrothermal method. The matrix was then selenized into Ni[Formula: see text]Se particles in a Se vapor without any damage to their original morphologies. The as-prepared N[Formula: see text]Se and Ni nanoparticles were then used as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells. It was found that the performance of the cell with Ni[Formula: see text]Se as counter electrode is enhanced by nearly two times in contrast to the one with Ni as CEs. This provides a new method to fabricate optional counter electrode for Pt.