In-situ electropolymerization of congo red-doped polypyrrole and gold nanoparticle nanocomposites and its electrocatalytic application

Abstract

A one-step electrochemical approach has been utilized to synthesize congo-red doped polypyrrole film embedded with gold nanoparticles (PPy-CR-AuNP). This study discusses for the first time the electrocatalytic properties of PPy-CR and PPy-CR-AuNP as counter-electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Physicochemical characterizations of the films with and without AuNP have been presented. Both films/electrodes displayed excellent charge transfer abilities, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry analysis. Notably, PPy-CR-AuNP exhibited enhanced electron transfer kinetics with a 17% increase in electroactive surface area and improved efficiency in the I−/I3− redox pair activity compared to PPy-CR. Following extended storage under ambient conditions, PPy-CR-AuNP maintained a better mass transport and electron transfer at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The DSSC employing PPy-CR-AuNP as counter electrode exhibited a 12.5% enhancement in efficiency, lower electron transport time, higher electron recombination time and electron collection efficiency of up to 89%. Moreover, the electron decay rate was found to be 12.5% lower compared to the DSSC with PPy-CR electrode. These results demonstrated that PPy-CR-AuNP is an appropriate candidate for DSSC.