Honeycomb spherical 1T-MoS2 as efficient counter electrodes for quantum dot sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Honeycomb spherical metallic 1T-MoS2 was fabricated as an efficient counter electrode (CE) for quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) via facile hydrothermal method using environment-friendly F127 as soft templates. Electrochemical tests show that the interface charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 1T-MoS2 is only 0.66 Ω with 3% template, demonstrating its superior electrocatalytic activity for Sn2− reduction. The power conversion efficiency of QDSSCs assembled with Ti-mesh substrate MoS2 CEs reached 6.03%. The outstanding performance is mainly ascribed to the unique morphological advantage and intrinsically excellent conductivity, catalytic activity and hydrophilicity of 1T-MoS2. The honeycomb spherical 1T-MoS2 increases the specific surface area and provides rich catalytic active sites and electrolyte transport channels, also enhances the stability of 1T-MoS2. The experimental results reveal 1T-MoS2 is expected to be a competitive CE material for efficient QDSSCs.