Si3N4/MoS2-PEDOT: PSS composite counter electrode for bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Si3N4/MoS2 nanocomposite has been fabricated through a solvothermal process and Mixed with polystyrenesulfonate-doped poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) to prepare (Si3N4/MoS2-PEDOT: PSS) as a counter electrode (CE) for bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The electrochemical studies confirm that Si3N4/MoS2-PEDOT: PSS CEs exhibits higher catalytic activity compared with pristine Si3N4/MoS2 and PEDOT: PSS. The DSSCs with 5% Si3N4/MoS2-PEDOT: PSS composite CE achieves conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.16%, which is comparable to that of the conventional platinum CE (7.50%) and better than those of the pristine Si3N4/MoS2 (3.80%) or PEDOT: PSS (4.20%) CEs. Owing to the optical transparency of Si3N4/MoS2-PEDOT: PSS composite CEs, bifacial DSSCs based on 5% Si3N4/MoS2-PEDOT: PSS CE yield 2.03% PCE from rear irradiation. The simple preparation method, high catalytic activity and electrochemical stability demonstrate that Si3N4/MoS2-PEDOT: PSS can be used a transparent CE in bifacial DSSCs.