Counter Electrode For Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Waste to wealth: Oxygen-nitrogen-sulfur codoped lignin-derived carbon microspheres from hazardous black liquors for high-performance DSSCs

Carbon materials are effective substitutes for Pt counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, many of these materials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, are expensive and require complex preparation process. Herein, waste lignin, recycled from hazardous black liquors, is used to create oxygen-nitrogen-sulfur codoped carbon microspheres for use in DSSC CEs through the facile process of low-temperature preoxidation and high-temperature self-activation. The large number of ester bonds formed by preoxidation increase the degree of cross-linking of the lignin chains, leading to the formation of highly disordered carbon with ample defect sites during pyrolysis. The presence of organic O/N/S components in the waste lignin results in high O/N/S doping of the pyrolysed carbon, which increases the electrolyte ion adsorption and accelerates the electron transfer at the CE/electrolyte interface, as confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The presence of inorganic impurities enables the construction of a hierarchical micropore-rich carbon structure through the etching effect during self-activation, which can provide abundant catalytically active sites for the reversible adsorption/desorption of electrolyte ions. Under these synergistic effects, the DSSCs that use this novel carbon CE achieve a quite high power-conversion efficiency of 9.22%. To the best of our knowledge, the value is a new record reported so far for biomass-carbon-based DSSCs.

Ni–CoS2/WS2/MoS2 hollow cuboids as noble metal-free bifunctional catalysts for highly efficient photovoltaics and electrochemical hydrogen production

Transition metal compounds, especially NiS2, CoS2, WS2, and MoS2 as noble metal-free catalyst materials, are widely applied to replace Pt in the fields of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). Meanwhile, hollow structures have large specific surface area and their large void spaces can also effectively reduce ion migration resistance and diffusion length. In this work, Ni–CoS2/WS2 and Ni–CoS2/MoS2 hollow cuboids have been successfully synthesized and applied as promising bifunctional electrocatalysts in high-efficiency DSSCs and HERs. In detail, nickel-cobalt hydroxide cuboids were prepared and served as self-sacrificing templates to react with (NH4)2WS4 or (NH4)2MoS4 at room temperature, and then mixed with sulfur powder for annealing treatment. Besides, Ni–CoS2 hollow cuboids were synthesized as a reference. Profiting from the stable hollow structure, large specific surface area, abundant effective active sites exposed by WS2, and synergistic effect of multiple elements, Ni–CoS2/WS2 hollow cuboids manifested a preeminent performance. Compared with Pt (8.06%), the conversion efficiency of Ni–CoS2/WS2 hollow cuboids had reached 9.41% as counter electrode for DSSCs. As for HER, it exhibited the lowest overpotential of 72.4 mV@10 mA cm−2 and had the minimum Tafel slope (56.1 mV dec−1) compared with Ni–CoS2/MoS2 and Ni–CoS2.

Synthesis and performance of polythiophene-iridium oxide composite as counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cell

Efficient electron transfer from the counter electrode (CE) to the redox couple electrolyte is the key process in the operation of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Polythiophene-Iridium oxide (PTh/IrO2) nano composite synthesized by reflux reaction method at different mass ratios (1:4, 1:2 and 1:1) has been explored as an effective electrocatalyst for the triiodide reduction in DSSC. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), bode plot studies and Tafel polarization method suggested that the composite synthesized at mass ratio 1:1 exhibited low charge transfer resistance (R ct), faster transport of electrons and excellent electrocatalytic activity. The PTh/IrO 2 composite synthesized at mass ratio 1:1 based DSSC exhibits a conversion efficiency of 3.01%, open-circuit voltage of 0.60 V and a short-circuit current density of 10.1 mA/cm 2. The facile synthesis procedure and attractive electrochemical properties benefit PTh/IrO 2composite to be used as a credible CE in DSSCs.

Cost-effective carbon black-graphite composite with solid-state based CuSCN electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are less expensive and easier to manufacture than silicon-based solar cells. Due to their superior catalytic characteristics and affordability, carbon materials can be used as counter electrodes in DSSCs instead of platinum electrode. Recently, CuSCN has been widely considered a promising candidate for low-cost and high-stable hole transport material in advanced solar cells. Herein, we report the design and fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells using carbon-graphite counter electrode with combined solid-state based copper (I) thiocyanate (CuSCN). Lab synthesized TiO2 nanoparticle with size of ∼ 30 nm and carbon black-graphite composites (CG) paste were used for the all DSSCs device fabrication. The structural, morphological and compositional details were investigated using various characterization techniques. For construction of the efficient counter electrode, the conventional expensive platinum catalyst thin film was replaced by cost effective and stable solid-state based carbon-graphite-CuSCN layer. The conventional Pt and Au counter/back electrodes raise the overall fabrication cost of commercial DSSC devices. Due to the superior catalytic capacity, simple scaling, low cost, and long-term stability, carbon-based composite shows as a promising candidate for DSSCs. The newly developed carbon black-graphite composites with CuSCN counter electrode showed improving efficiency and stability of the DSSCs. The best conversion efficiency of 8.56% was achieved using a CG composite with CuSCN-based counter electrode under AM 1.5 solar condition.

A Review of Transition Metal Sulfides as Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized and Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Third-generation solar cells, including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), have been associated with low-cost material requirements, simple fabrication processes, and mechanical robustness. Hence, counter electrodes (CEs) are a critical component for the functionality of these solar cells. Although platinum (Pt)-based CEs have been dominant in CE fabrication, they are costly and have limited market availability. Therefore, it is important to find alternative materials to overcome these issues. Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have demonstrated capabilities as a more cost-effective alternative to Pt materials. This advantage has been attributed to their strong electrocatalytic activity, excellent thermal stability, tunability of bandgap energies, and variable crystalline morphologies. In this study, a comprehensive review of the major components and working principles of the DSSC and QDSSC are presented. In developing CEs for DSSCs and QDSSCs, various TMS materials synthesized through several techniques are thoroughly reviewed. The performance efficiencies of DSSCs and QDSSCs resulting from TMS-based CEs are subjected to in-depth comparative analysis with Pt-based CEs. Thus, the power conversion efficiency (PCE), fill factor (FF), short circuit current density (Jsc) and open circuit voltage (Voc) are investigated. Based on this review, the PCEs for DSSCs and QDSSCs are found to range from 5.37 to 9.80% (I-/I3- redox couple electrolyte) and 1.62 to 6.70% (S-2/Sx- electrolyte). This review seeks to navigate the future direction of TMS-based CEs towards the performance efficiency improvement of DSSCs and QDSSCs in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.

Highly Conductive Graphenated-Carbon Nanotubes Sheet with Graphene Foliates for Counter Electrode Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

This work enlightened the synthesis of graphenated-carbon nanotubes sheet (g-CNT) using the floating-catalyst chemical vapor deposition method (FCCVD) for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application. The carbon injection flow rate in the experiment was varied to 6, 8, and 10 ml/h. The morphological findings revealed that the g-CNT formed a highly conductive network. Excellent conductivity was obtained for the sample g-CNT8 (34.5 S/cm) compared to the sample g-CNT6 (11.2S/cm) and CNT10 (4.76 S/cm). This excellent feature is due to the hybrid structure of the g-CNT8, which creates efficient electron transfer in the materials resulting in higher conductivity. The hybrid structure provides a high surface area that improves conductivity. Therefore, the g-CNT sheet is an excellent candidate to replace the conventional platinum used as a counter electrode (CE) in DSSC.

A quaternary nanocomposite as an efficient counter electrode for Pt-free Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC)

Solar Cells are one of the most promising energy conversion sources available. But most solar cells use conventional Pt as a counter electrode (CE) which is very costly, scarce and corrosive in liquid medium. So, an alternative novel quaternary nanocomposite of rGO Reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/ Manganese dioxide (MnO2)/ Nickel oxide (NiO)/Copper oxide (CuO) (RMNCu) was employed under varied photoanodes like hydrothermally synthesized Titanium dioxide (TiO2), Zinc oxide (ZnO) and TiO2/ZnO with N-719 as dye matrix over Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) substrate. The fabricated Dye-Sensitised Solar Cell (DSSCs) were examined under functional, optical and photovoltaic studies. It was found that the prepared DSSC with RMNCu as CE had a Power Conversion Efficiencies (PCE) of 93.31% of Pt-CE in the same ambience. The uplifted conversion efficiency promotes RMNCu as a promising candidate for counter electrodes for DSSC.

Improvement of the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells employing NickelPalladium alloy-reduced graphene oxide counter electrode: Influence of palladium content

In this work, NickelPalladium-reduced graphene oxide (NiPd-rGO) films have been prepared via liquid phase deposition technique and used as free-platinum (Pt) counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The effect of Pd content in term of various Ni:Pd ratios on the properties such as structure, optical transmission, surface morphology and elemental compositions have been studied. The morphology of NiPd-rGO sample is in the form of crumpled vertical folds in layers and white strips. The influence of Pd content on photovoltaic parameters of the device has also been investigated. The performance parameters were significantly influenced by the Pd content. The device using NiPd-rGO counter electrode prepared at Ni:Pd ratio of 20:2 demonstrated the highest PCE of 3.09%. This is due to the device owns the highest charge recombination resistance (Rrec) and shortest carrier transport time (τ). The efficiency has been improved at the optimum content of Pd. The finding from this work implies that NiPd-rGO is able to substitute Pt as counter electrode in DSSC due to its efficiency is comparable to that of the device employing Pt counter electrode.

Dye-sensitized solar cells based on highly catalytic CNTs/Ti3C2Tx MXenes composite counter electrode.

Establishing stable and efficient Pt-free counter electrodes (CEs) is an important challenge for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Ti3C2Tx MXene, with its high catalytic activity and conductivity, has gained attention as a CE in DSSCs. The focus of this paper is on the preparation of Ti3C2Tx decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite electrode materials (CNTs/Ti3C2Tx), and testing their performance as CEs in DSSCs. Through a series of electrochemical tests, a CNTs/Ti3C2Tx CE exhibits good electrocatalytic activity toward iodine-based electrolytes with low charge transfer resistance, which is close to the performance of a Pt CE. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of the CNTs/Ti3C2Tx (1.0 wt%) CE-based DSSCs reaches 5.83%, which is much higher than that of the CNTs CE (3.70%), and approximates that of the Pt CE (6.61%). We attribute the improved performance to the synergistic effect of the excellent conductivity and unique two-dimensional chemical structure of Ti3C2Tx MXene. Moreover, the photostability test of continuous light exposure shows that the CNTs/Ti3C2Tx-1.0 wt% (C/T-1.0 wt%) CE exhibits good stability to the electrolyte. Therefore, CNTs/Ti3C2Tx composites can be used as an efficient Pt-free CE for DSSCs in the future.

Spherical Fe7S8@rGO nanoflowers as electrodes with high electrocatalytic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) can directly convert solar energy into electricity, and have aroused great research interest from researchers. Here, the spherical Fe7S8@rGO nanocomposites were expediently fabricated by facile methods, and applied in DSSCs as counter electrodes (CEs). The morphological features show the porous structure of Fe7S8@rGO, and it is beneficial to enhance the permeability of ions. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has a large specific surface area and good electrical conductivity, shortening the electron transfer path. The presence of rGO promotes the catalytic reduction of I3- ions to I- ions and reduces the charge transfer resistance (Rct). The experimental findings show that the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Fe7S8@rGO as CEs for DSSCs can reach 8.40% (20 wt% for rGO), significantly higher than Fe7S8 (7.60%) and Pt (7.69%). Therefore, Fe7S8@rGO nanocomposite is expected to be an efficient and cost-effective CE material for DSSCs.

Photoelectric properties of the layered raspberry sandwich amorphous ZnCo2S4@MnCo2S4/CP composite counter electrode in semiconductor-sensitized solar cells.

Multistage amorphous materials have promising applications in the catalytic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, an amorphous sheet-raspberry sandwich-like ZnCo2S4@MnCo2S4/CP composite material was rationally designed and developed as a counter electrode (CE) for DSSCs by applying a three-step hydrothermal method. The first development of the amorphous composites as CEs resulted in lower charge transfer resistance at the CE/electrolyte interface and improved the fill factor and short-circuit current density. The excellent catalytic performance is mainly attributed to the large number of unsaturated coordination sites generated by the undirected structure of the lamellar-raspberry intercalated amorphous material, the smooth ion transport interface with a self-built corrosion-resistant layer, coupled with the dual catalytic performance of the Zn, Co, and Mn composites, and the good electrical conductivity of the C substrate. When ZnCo2S4@MnCo2S4/CP was used as the CE on a Ti substrate, the photoelectric conversion efficiency was as high as 11.68% (Voc = 0.821, Jsc = 20.14 mA cm-2, and FF = 0.71) under 100 mW cm-2 light illumination. This paper provides a design idea for amorphous materials in terms of catalytic performance and a method for developing alternatives to Pt electrodes.

Dual electrical-behavior regulation of α-MoC quantum dots and Mo-N-C sites for high photoelectric conversion performance of solar cells

Constructing low-price yet high-efficiency counter electrode (CE) materials for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is vital in the field of energy conversion. Herein, α-MoC quantum dots (QDs) decorated with Mo-N-C sites are encapsulated in a unique carbon flower structure (CF) as efficient CE (α-MoCQD@NCF). The α-MoCQD@NCF CE in DSSC exhibits high power conversion efficiency (PCE) with up to 9.12%, which greatly exceeds that of pure Pt (7.53%). Electron microscopy reveals that α-MoCQD@NCF is an ultrathin-hierarchical hollow structure, which promotes the sufficient contact of the electrolyte. Simultaneously, the ultra-small size of α-MoCQD is beneficial for maximizing the utilization of active sites to accelerate the triiodide reduction reaction. Additionally, theoretical calculations disclose that atomically engineered Mo-N-C sites combined with α-MoCQD can complement and reinforce each other to transfer electrons to the carbon matrix. Therefore, through the synergistic effect of the dual regulation of electron transfer rate and pathway, the electron transfer on the CE surface is accelerated, the iodide ion coupling is restrained and the reaction kinetics are improved. It not only offers a rational approach to develop low cost and high activity electrode material, but also opens an avenue for other energy-related fields.

CoxMo(1−x)S2 intermixed reduced graphene oxide as efficient counter electrode materials for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study, nanocomposite electrocatalysts composed of cobalt molybdenum sulfide flower-like nanosheets intermixed with reduced graphene oxide (CoxMo(1−x)S2/rGO) were prepared by a facile one-step hydrothermal method and were used to prepare counter electrodes (CE) of high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The structural and morphological analysis of the nanocomposites were carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy, micro-Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, which revealed 2-dimensional petal-like nanosheets of the ternary metal sulfides intermixed with the reduced graphene oxide sheets. The DSSCs fabricated using CoxMo(1−x)S2/rGO (CMS-2/rGO) as the counter electrode material exhibited power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.04%, which was found to be superior to the PCEs of DSSCs with CEs made of MoS2/rGO (7.56%), CoxMo(1-x)S2 (7.04–7.78%), and conventional Pt (8.72%). The electrochemical measurements showed that the excellent electrocatalytic activity of the CoxMo(1−x)S2/rGO on I3- can be attributed to the expanded active sites, improved charge transfer across the CE, and reduced electrode/electrolyte interface resistance. The facile preparation approach and outstanding catalytic behavior of CoxMo(1−x)S2/rGO indicate that the nanostructured CoxMo(1-x)S2/rGO intermix would be a cost-effective material over the platinum used in the CE of DSSCs.

Tungsten Phosphide Microsheets In‐Situ Grown on Carbon Fiber as Counter Electrode Catalyst for Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

AbstractThe development of low‐cost, green, and pollution‐free counter electrode materials with high catalytic activity plays a critical role in improving the photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In recent years, transition metal phosphides have been widely used in DSSCs due to their outstanding catalytic activity and stability. Herein, a novel binary phosphide is immobilized on carbon paper (CP) by a two‐step strategy. This strategy involves the preparation of WO3 precursor by the hydrothermal method, and synthesis of tungsten phosphide (WP) with the vapor deposition method, which finally leads to the uniform dispersion of WP on carbon paper. The acquired WP/CP counter electrode demonstrates high electrical conductivity and prefect catalytic ability for reducing triiodide, and the DSSCs assembled with WP/CP counter electrode achieve a high‐power conversion efficiency of 10.29%, which is superior to that of the Pt‐based (7.34%). These findings illustrate that the WP microsheets in‐situ grown on carbon paper are a potential candidate to replace Pt as an economical and efficient counter electrode for DSSCs.

Study of Single Diode Model of DSSC Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide as Counter Electrode

We studied the characteristic of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as a counter electrode (CE) in Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using single diode model equation based on current density-voltage (J-V) measurement. The electrical characteristics of DSSC was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in order to knowing the catalytic properties of RGO as counter electrode. The RGO thin film as CE was deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate and stacked with FTO/TiO2/ruthenium dye/mosalyte/RGO/FTO DSSC structure. The RGO film was obtained from GO (graphene oxide) film that was thermally reduced at 200°C for one hour under argon flow. The performance of DSSC with RGO as CE was characterized by current-voltage measurement and the interface between each layer was observed by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The device efficiency (η) of DSSC that used GO and RGO film as CE are 0.09% and 3.43%, respectively. DSSC parameters such as series resistance (RS) shunt resistance (RSH), and ideality factor (n) were obtained from J-V curve which analyzed using single diode model equation. All samples have a Rs value of 2 indicates that all devices have a good ohmic contact. The RSH of device using RGO-1mg/ml is increase (from 2850 to 3670 Ω.cm2) compared with GO indicate that thermal reduction is successes. The RGO film shows a comparable performance to Pt-conventional CE thus it is a good candidate as alternative of DSSC counter electrode.

M1-xSb1-ySδ (M = Ni, Cu, Co) ternary metal sulfides: Emerging candidates for [formula omitted] reduction in bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells

Antimony-based ternary metal sulfides such as Ni9Sb2S8, Cu3SbS3, and CoSbS have been used as counter electrodes (CEs) in bifacial Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). The electrochemical results show that antimony-based ternary sulfides have the highest peak current density (JPC), lower peak-to-peak separation (EPP) and charge transfer resistance (RCT) than the corresponding binary sulfides. Notably, under front-side illumination, the highest short circuit current (JSC) of 10.19 mA cm−2 is reached for Cu3SbS3, 9.77 mA cm−2 for Ni9Sb2S8 and 10.44 mA cm−2 for CoSbS, all of them are greater than Pt CE. The efficiency of the CoSbS CE is ∼ 97%, Ni9Sb2S8 CE is ∼ 84% and Cu3SbS3 CE is ∼ 66% when normalized with the efficiency of the Pt CE (∼5.54%). The performance of these ternary sulfide CEs is also evaluated for rear-side illumination. This report elucidates the new class of materials that might be used as a potential counter electrode for bifacial DSSCs.

Phase dependent electrochemical characteristics of bismuth ferrite: A bifunctional electrocatalyst for Supercapacitors and Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Different phases of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3, Bi2Fe4O9, Bi25FeO40) have been synthesized hydrothermally with the assistance of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and employed as an electrocatalyst for supercapacitor and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The impact of PEG on the crystal structure and phases is analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). More experimental measurements are done to analyze phase dependence on the shape, vibration, and optical response. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) results show the phase-dependent electrochemical characteristics and the sillenite phase Bi25FeO40 (BFO-10) of 10 mL PEG has a higher specific capacitance (CS) of 351 F g−1 at 4 A g−1 due to the increment of Bi stoichiometry. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is assembled by BFO-10//AC and observed with a higher energy density of 70 Wh kg−1, the corresponding power density is 3240 W kg−1, and an excellent life cycle. The same samples are used as a counter electrode (CE) in DSSCs, Bi25FeO40 CE assisted cell delivering a maximum short circuit current (JSC) of 4 mA cm−2 than the other phases of BFO. The higher electrocatalytic activity, conductivity, and lower charge transfer resistance are responsible for the improvement. These investigations reveal that the sillenite phase of Bi25FeO40 is a better choice for future energy storage and conversion devices.

CoP@Ni2P microcrystals in situ grown on carbon fiber as counter electrode catalysts for high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells

Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have recently emerged as outstanding energy conversion and storage materials for their highly active surface sites, electrical conductivity, and thermal and structural stability. However, TMPs as the counter electrode (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are rarely reported. Here, cobalt phosphide and nickel phosphide (CoP@Ni2P) microcrystals were successfully prepared in situ grown on carbon fiber of carbon paper (CP) by using simple hydrothermal and phosphating methods, and served as CE in DSSCs. The CP acted as a supporting conductivity substrate and an electron transport “speedway,” which can enhance the electrocatalytic ability of CE and photoelectric conversion efficiency of the devices. The cells based on CoP@Ni2P@CP CE with 1 mmol NiCl2·6H2O deliver a power conversion efficiency of 8.33%, which is superior to that of state-of-the-art Pt-based cell (7.54%). Moreover, the CoP@Ni2P@CP CE also displays a small charge transfer resistance (2.07 Ω cm2) at the interface between electrolyte and CE, as well as prefect electrochemical catalytic stability in I−/I3− electrolyte. These findings indicate that the CoP@Ni2P@CP CE possesses outstanding electrocatalytic and photoelectric conversion performance along with desired stability to be utilized as an efficient Pt-free alternative in DSSCs.

One-step solvothermal method synthesizes petal-like Cu2WSx supported on carbon paper used in dye-sensitized solar cells

Sheet-like transition metal sulfides have promising applications in photocatalysis and energy conversion. This study provides a petal-like Cu2WSx nanosheet structure supported on carbon paper (CP) synthesized by a simple one-step solvothermal method. Cu2WSx microstructures with different morphologies were synthesized by solvothermal vulcanization of thioacetamide (TAA) at different concentrations. The Cu2WSx/CP was used as the counter electrode of DSSCs and compared with the Pt FTO electrode. It was proved that Cu2WSx-7 M/CP had the best electrocatalytic performance and obtained 9.01% photoelectric conversion efficiency. The different sulfide concentration changes the morphology of Cu2WSx and continuously affects the specific surface area and catalytic activity of the material. The better electrochemical performance shows that Cu2WSx/CP is expected to become a substitute for expensive Pt CE materials in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Manipulation of flexible carbon cloths for stable and efficient catalysts in dye-sensitized solar cells

• The CC with preferred characteristics can be facilely manipulated. • The catalytic activity and stability of CE can be improved via underlying supports. • The simultaneously improved PCE and stability are achieved by using an optimal CE. The highly stable and efficient dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) strongly relies on the catalytic activity and stability of the counter electrode (CE) in the electrolyte. Herein, we explore an effective and eco-friendly method of making a high catalytic activity of CE with the improved stability by utilizing the high-conductivity carbon cloth (CC) with great corrosive resistance as flexible carbon-based supports for nanoparticle-based catalysts and using Pt as an example. A variety of CCs with different characteristics are facilely manipulated by the hybrid solution-based surface treatments, enabling to systemically investigate the influence of different CCs on the performance of Pt catalysts. The result shows that the surface activated CC with properly porous structure and wetting surface facilitates the accommodation of catalysts and the diffusion of redox couple within the carbon fiber network. The existence of active sites such as defective structures and oxygen-containing groups on CCs effectively serve as the nucleation or adsorbed sites of Pt catalysts, which simultaneously improve the catalytic and stable performance of CE. Multi-scan cyclic voltammetry indicates that a preferred surface activated CC as Pt catalyst support retains 95.9% of its initial catalytic ability in comparison with the typical platinized fluorine-doped tin oxide (76%). The DSC using the desirable Pt-decorated CC displays an improvement of 49% in conversion efficiency as compared with that using the nonoptimal counterpart. Such improvements highlight the feasibility of simply manipulating the characteristics of underlying flexible carbon-based supports in pursuit of the high catalytic activity and stability of CEs in DSCs.