Counter Electrode For Solar Cells Research Articles

Next-generation counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells: A comprehensive overview

Next-generation counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells: A comprehensive overview

Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance of Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)Poly(N-Alkylcarbazole) Copolymer-Based Counter Electrode in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Conducting polymers are emerging as promising alternatives to rare and expensive platinum for counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells; due to their ease of synthesis, they can be chemically tuned and are suitable for roll-to-roll production. Among these, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-based counter electrodes have shown leading photovoltaic performance. However, certain conductivity issues remain that affect the effectiveness of these counter electrodes. In this study, we present an electropolymerized PEDOT and poly(N-alkylated-carbazole) copolymer as an efficient electrocatalyst for the reduction in I3− in dye-sensitized solar cells. Copolymerization with N-alkylated carbazoles significantly increases the conductivity of the polymer film and facilitates rapid charge transport at the interface between the polymer electrode and the electrolyte. The length of the alkyl substituents also plays a crucial role in this improvement. Electrochemical analysis showed a reduction in charge transport resistance from 3.31 Ω·cm2 for PEDOT to 2.26 Ω·cm2 for the PEDOT:poly(N-octylcarbazole) copolymer, which is almost half the resistance of a platinum-based counter electrode (4.12 Ω·cm2). Photovoltaic measurements showed that the solar cell with the PEDOT:poly(N-octylcarbazole) counter electrode achieved an efficiency of 8.88%, outperforming both PEDOT (7.90%) and platinum-based devices (7.57%).

Exploring the potential of SnSe/PANi composite counter electrodes for improved efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

This paper investigates the synthesis and characterization of novel counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), focusing on composite polyaniline (PANi) nanofibers integrated with tin selenide (SnSe). Three CEs, namely SnSe, PANi, and their composite, were prepared via facile hydrothermal and cyclic voltammetry methods and compared with a standard platinum (Pt) CE. The efficiencies obtained were 4.20 %, 5.63 %, 8.39 %, and 7.72 % for SnSe, PANi, SnSe/PANi, and Pt CEs, respectively. The improved efficiencies, particularly in the case of the SnSe/PANi composite, were attributed to increased short-circuit density of the composite sample. The materials and devices prepared in this study are characterized using various methods including FESEM, TEM, XRD, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, EIS, Tafel, OCVD, IPCE and etc to support our proposed CE structure. Our findings demonstrate the promising potential of SnSe/PANi composite CEs in enhancing the performance and affordability of DSSCs.

Flower-like SnS2/rGO composites with efficient iodide-triiodide redox performance for counter electrodes in Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

The work function (WF) of the counter electrode (CE) predominantly determines the device performance of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as it controls the electron transfer rate for dye regeneration. Hence in this work, tin disulphide/reduced graphene oxide (SnS2/rGO) composites were synthesized with different wt.% of rGO (3, 5, 7, 10 %) and investigated their performance in DSSCs applications. At the outset, the formation of pristine SnS2 and SnS2/rGO composites were confirmed through X-ray diffraction and Raman spectral analysis. The morphological imaging revealed the micro flower-like structure of SnS2 with cross-sectional width of 5 ± 0.2 μm, and petal thickness ranges from 30.7 nm to 46.4 nm. The binding energy spectra confirms the 4+ oxidation state of Sn in both SnS2 and 7 wt% SnS2/rGO, suggesting that the rGO does not alter the chemical states of SnS2. Further, the peak-to-peak separation values obtained from Cylic-Voltammetry analysis were found to be 0.37 and 0.57 V for S7 and Pt CE respectively, indicating the rapid electrolyte reduction of 7 wt% SnS2/rGO. Finally, a photo conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.3 % has been achieved with 7 wt% SnS2/rGO CE which is greater than that of the PCE with Pt CE (6.5 %) and also higher than that of pristine SnS2 with 4.7 %. The improved PCE is attributed to the reduced WF of the 7 wt% SnS2/rGO composite as measured from the Kelvin probe force microscopy analysis, enabling the rapid redox reaction towards triiodide reduction.

Poly(aniline)-multiwall carbon nanotube (PANI@MWCNT) composite as high-cost Pt free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study, we synthesized a poly (aniline)-multiwall carbon nanotube (PANI@MWCNT) composite for use as a counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells. Moreover, FE-SEM and HR-TEM images of PANI@MWCNT revealed carbon nanotube/ropes embedded in the polymer matrix. An X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the amorphous nature of the composite. Further, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies indicated a charge transport resistance value (Rct) of 4.36 KΩ for PANI@MWCNT. CV studies demonstrated improved electrocatalytic performance and faster redox behavior in the PANI@MWCNT composite. BET analysis measured the pore size of the as-prepared composite to be 15–50 nm. Subsequently, the as-synthesized PANI, PANT@MWNCT, pristine MWCNT, and platinum were evaluated as CEs in DSSCs using a polyethylene oxide polymer-based liquid electrolyte and a TiO2 nanocrystalline photoanode. Among these CEs, the PANI@MWCNT CE exhibited an efficiency of 8.07 %, and the stability test indicated that the as-prepared composite CE retained 7.81 % efficiency after 15 days.

Density functional theory study of cobalt sulfide as a counter electrode material for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are viewed as potential substitutes for traditional silicon-based solar cells due to their affordability, impressive performance in low-light conditions, eco-friendly energy production, and adaptability in solar product integration. The use of noble metals such as platinum as counter electrodes in DSSCs was initially limited by their high cost; however, cobalt sulfide has been recognized as a viable alternative due to its abundance, non-toxic properties, and cost-effectiveness. In this work, the crystal structure, electronic, optical characteristics and electrocatalytic activity of the tetragonal phases of cobalt sulfide are investigated through density functional theory with a quantum espresso package. The results obtained for the lattice parameter are a = b = 3.53 Å and c = 4.80 Å. The generalized gradient approximation and hybrid exchange correlation function yield bandgaps of 1.63 and 1.69 eV, respectively, which are consistent with the reported experimental values. An analysis of the density of states and the projected density was carried out to validate the accuracy of the calculated band gaps. Additionally, significant information was obtained from the optical properties through the calculation of the dielectric function. The findings reveal real and imaginary static dielectric constants of 11.85 and 0.13, respectively. Furthermore, the measured absorption and conductivity spectra exhibit promising attributes in the UV–visible range and good electrical conductivity. Moreover, the electrocatalytic activity was studied to analyze the adsorption energy of CoS and the electrolyte. Generally, the calculated electronic and optical properties of CoS crystals indicate their potential application as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Attaining promising efficiency through a Quasi-Solid-State symmetrical supercapacitor and Dye-Sensitized solar cell counter electrode utilizing bifunctional Nitrogen-Doped microporous activated carbon

This study addresses the imperative need for high-performance and sustainable energy storage and conversion technologies by leveraging the unique properties of nitrogen-doped porous carbon (N@WnAC) derived from the waste walnut shells (WnS). In the realm of supercapacitors, the N@WnAC demonstrates remarkable performance in a three-electrode system, showcasing a high specific capacitance value of 276.7 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1, outstanding stability (96.6 %, 5000 charge–discharge cycles) and favourable rate capability (68.8 % at 10 Ag−1). Moreover, a quasi-solid-state symmetrical supercapacitor (N@WnAC//N@WnAC) is fabricated with PVA/H2SO4 gel electrolyte, underscores outstanding performance by delivering high capacitance (126.2 Fg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1), promising rate capability (71.8 % at 5 Ag−1), favourable long-term stability (93.3 %, 5000 charge–discharge cycles), and faster charge–discharge kinetics compared to conventional counterparts. At the same time, N@WnAC//N@WnAC delivers a high energy density (42.27 Whkg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1) that was retained up to 23.96 Whkg−1 even at 5 Ag−1. Simultaneously, the study explores the potential of N@WnAC as a counter-electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The obtained results underscore that unique nitrogen doping enhances the electrocatalytic activity, leading to improved electron transfer kinetics and overall cell performance. Moreover, the N@WnAC CE-based DSSC delivers a promising overall solar-to-electrical conversion efficiency of 5.84 %.

N, S co-doped lignin graded porous carbon as efficient Pt-free counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

N, S co-doped lignin graded porous carbon as efficient Pt-free counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

2D/2D-Graphene Functionalized MXene as an Alternative Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

2D/2D-Graphene Functionalized MXene as an Alternative Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Improved preparation of AgNW film and its application in flexible counter electrodes of dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells

Silver nanowire (AgNW) has been wildly used to prepare flexible conducting substrate of electronic and optoelectronic devices. By coating a layer of carbon onto a polymer/AgNW substrate, a counter electrode (CE) was obtained and it offers the advantages of high flexibility, light weight, low cost, simple fabrication, and operating efficiently in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By modifying the traditional unidirectional roll-coating process of AgNW to cross-directional coating, the morphology and distribution of the AgNW network was improved, which led to increased transmittance and electroconductivity, and subsequently improved cell efficiency of DSSCs and PSCs. The performance of the CEs and solar cells was further promoted by optimized fabrication process of the carbon layer. The as-prepared flexible CEs achieved great enhancement of cell efficiencies, and maximum power conversion efficiencies of 5.17% and 14.32% were obtained by DSSCs and PSCs, respectively.

Synergistic effect in ZIF-67/MoS2 entrenched MWCNT photo (electro) catalyst for degradation of tetracycline and alternative to Pt counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells

Photocatalytic water purification is an effective environmental protection approach for removing hazardous chemicals in water, besides solar energy conversion is a trustworthy and sustainable choice for the future due to rising energy demands. The present research focus is on synthesis of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) based composite, Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67/Molybdenum Disulfide (ZIF-67/MoS2) entrenched Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) as a catalyst for photodegradation of tetracycline (TC), as well as substitute for Pt counter electrode in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC). The crystalline structure, optical response, shape, porosity, quantum states, and chemical configuration were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The degradation efficiency of ZIF-67/MoS2/MWCNT catalyst under effect of operational parameters namely, photocatalyst dosage, solution pH, coexisting ions, TC concentrations and irradiation time were studied consecutively. ZIF-67/MoS2/MWCNT composite achieved 96.1 % degradation efficiency of TC under white light irradiation. Interestingly, when utilized as a counter electrode in DSSCs, this composite-based electrode delivered the highest Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of 3.86 % with a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 7.54 mA cm−2 and open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.79 V. The observed enhancement is attributed to lesser peak-to-peak separation (EPP), lower electron lifetime, lower charge transfer resistance (RCT) and higher exchange current density (J0). Based on these findings, ZIF-67 inclusion in MoS2/MWCNT composite is not only an effective catalyst for water treatment but also a good catalyst for I3− reduction in DSSCs.

Iron-nickel-cobalt selenide nanoparticles as an efficient and transparent counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study, we developed a quaternary metal selenide (Fe0.35Ni0.11Co0.19Se) counter electrode (CE) material, grown onto fluorine-doped tin oxide, for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using the potential-reversal electrochemical deposition technique at ambient conditions. Under optimized conditions, the Fe0.35Ni0.11Co0.19Se CE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity in the I-/I3- redox reaction with the average transmittance of 78.85 %. The additional valence states of Fe in the Ni0.3Co0.3Se electrode material further enhanced the catalytic activity during the electrochemical redox process. The DSSC employing this electrocatalytically active CE realized a power conversion efficiency of 7.73 %, surpassing the efficiency of both Pt and Ni0.3Co0.3Se CEs-based DSSCs (7.23 % and 7.23 %, respectively). This electro-preparation method offers a simpler and more cost-effective fabrication process for CE design, demonstrating a good potential for replacing expensive platinum CEs in DSSCs.

Fabrication of innovative ZnCo2O4/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposite counter electrode to replace Pt in dye-sensitized solar cells and improve solar cell performance

This study focuses on the fabrication and optimization of Ti3C2Tx/ZnCo2O4 (ZCO) hybrid counter electrodes (CEs) for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). The Ti3C2Tx Max phase was initially prepared through a solid-state reaction method and subsequently transformed into the MXene phase using the minimally intensive layer delamination (MILD) technique. ZnCo2O4 was synthesized via the sol-gel method. Various analyses, including FESEM, XRD, EDS, CV, Tafel, XPS, IPCE, and HRTEM, were employed to characterize the prepared materials. The key parameter investigated involved CEs with different weight ratios of Ti3C2Tx to ZnCo2O4 (0 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 40 %). Results revealed that the optimized DSSC with 30 % Ti3C2Tx to ZCO exhibited a remarkable efficiency of 8.61 %, surpassing both the cell without MXene (5.59 % efficiency) and the one with a Pt CE (8.12 % efficiency). The enhanced performance was attributed to a significant increase in current density primarily driven by the higher electrocatalytic activity of the ZM30 CE and improved conductivity.

Spinel cobalt-based binary metal oxides as emerging materials for energy harvesting devices: synthesis, characterization and synchrotron radiation-enabled investigation.

The synthesis and characterization of spinel cobalt-based metal oxides (MCo2O4) with varying 3d-transition metal ions (Ni, Fe, Cu, and Zn) were explored using a hydrothermal process (140 °C for two hours) to be used as alternative counter electrodes for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed distinct morphologies for each metal oxide, such as NiCo2O4 nanosheets, Cu Co2O4 nanoleaves, Fe Co2O4 diamond-like, and Zn Co2O4 hexagonal-like structures. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the cubic spinel structure for the prepared MCo2O4 films. The functional groups of MCo2O4 materials were recognized in metal oxides throughout Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The local structure analysis using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) at Fe and Co K-edge identified octahedral (Oh) Co3+ and tetrahedral (Td) Co2+ coordination, with Zn2+ and Cu2+ favoring Td sites, while Ni3+ and Fe3+ preferred Oh active sites. Further investigations utilizing the Fourier transformation (FT) analysis showed comparable coordination numbers and interatomic distances ranked as Co-Cu > Co-Fe > Zn-Co > Co-Ni. Furthermore, the utilization of MCo2O4 thin films as counter electrodes in DSSC fabrication showed promising results. Notably, solar cells based on CuCo2O4 and ZnCo2O4 counter electrodes showed 1.9% and 1.13% power conversion efficiency, respectively. These findings indicate the potential of employing these binary metal oxides for efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic device production.

Synthesis and Performance Analysis of a Carbon-Doped Titania (C–TiO2) Counter Electrode (CE) for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)

Synthesis and Performance Analysis of a Carbon-Doped Titania (C–TiO2) Counter Electrode (CE) for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)

Analysis of nickel oxide as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells using OghmaNano software

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), a promising green technology, convert solar energy into electricity more cost-effectively than traditional solar cells. While platinum (Pt) is commonly used in DSSCs, its high cost and toxicity limit practical applications. Recent research aims to develop low-cost counter electrodes with high efficiency. Nickel oxide (NiO), a p-type semiconductor with a wide bandgap, good transmittance, and suitable work function, emerges as a potential alternative for counter electrode of DSSCs. In this work, DSSCs with NiO of thicknesses varying from 100 nm to 1000 nm were simulated to determine its influence on photovoltaic performance using OghmaNano software. The structure of simulated solar cells consists of NiO as counter electrode, zinc oxide (ZnO) as photoanode, N719 as dyes, electrolyte as charge carrier transport, and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) as a contact layer. There are five data of NiO used as an active layer. From the simulation results, NiO-doped gold exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.95% at a thickness of 700 nm, while pure NiO shows the lowest PCE with 4.53% at a thickness of 600 nm. These results have demonstrated that NiO can replace Pt as a counter electrode for DSSCs and doping plays a vital role in increasing efficiency.

Design and construction of MoS2/Ni3S2 nanosheets decorated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a sustainable counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells: An experimental and computational investigation

To achieve a satisfactory photovoltaic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), counter electrode (CE) catalysts with low cost, superior catalytic activity and excellent conductivity should be developed. Herein, we successfully prepared the MoS2/Ni3S2 heterostructures via the hydrothermal method and decorated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by sonication method. The performance of the prepared CEs was investigated by various electrochemical techniques. Based on the electrochemical tests, the MoS2/Ni3S2/MWCNTs ternary nanocomposite displayed high electron transfer ability, remarkable catalytic activities, and good stability in the I3−/I− electrolyte. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs based on MoS2/Ni3S2/MWCNTs CE reached 8.27 %, which was even higher than that of the DSSC with Pt CE (7.23 %). The excellent performance of the catalyst is related to the structural properties, synergistic effect of MoS2/Ni3S2 and MWCNTs, and high porosity of MoS2/Ni3S2/MWCNTs composite. The results of calculations indicated that by decorating the MoS2/Ni3S2 on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the bandgap decreased to 2.79 eV, which was smaller than the individual CNTs (6.27 eV). This finding depicted that synergistic effect between MoS2/Ni3S2 and MWCNTs can reduce the bandgap of MoS2/Ni3S2/MWCNTs composite. The lower bandgap mostly results in higher electrical conductivity and lower charge-transfer resistance, which plays an important role in improving the efficiency of DSSCs.

Active carbon derived from rice husk as sustainable substitutes for costly platinum electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells

Significant financial and environmental challenges are associated with using platinum electrodes as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). This work uses rice husk, an agricultural waste, to create active carbon that is appropriate for DSC CEs in response to these difficulties. A simple spray pyrolysis technique created activated carbon obtained from rice husks. The DSC employing activated rice husk carbon as the CE demonstrated a conversion efficiency of 6.06%, slightly lower than the 8.21% efficiency achieved with a platinum electrode-based cell. However, this performance gap is overshadowed by the substantial cost reduction enabled by the utilization of low-cost activated carbon compared to noble metal alternatives. This result introduces promising avenues for investigating the use of agriculturally derived carbon materials as workable and affordable options for platinum CEs in DSCs, thereby contributing to the sustainable advancement of photovoltaic systems. Even though the performance of DSC that uses activated carbon derived from rice husk in CE is slightly lower than its counterparts based on platinum, the cost reduction due to the use of low-cost activated carbon with noble metal is significant.

Enhancing dye-sensitized solar cell performance: Optimizing Cu2ZnSnS4/ZnCo2O4 nanocomposites as efficient and cost-effective counter electrodes

This study investigates the utilization of Cu2ZnSnS4/ZnCo2O4 (CZTS/ZCO) nanocomposites prepared through hydrothermal and combustion methods as counter electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). Different ratios of Cu2ZnSnS4 and ZnCo2O4 were explored, and comprehensive analyses were conducted using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High-Resolution TEM (HRTEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Incident Photon-to-Electron Conversion Efficiency (IPCE), alongside long-term stability assessments. The CZTS:ZCO ratio of 2:1 exhibited the highest efficiency, reaching 8.81 %, with an open-circuit voltage of 729 mV, short-circuit current of 17.80 mAcm−2, and a fill factor of 67.9 %. This surpasses the efficiency of the reference Pt cell (8.42 %), which had an open-circuit voltage of 735 mV, short-circuit current of 17.16 mAcm−2, and a fill factor of 66.8 %. The average crystallite sizes for the main peaks of CZTS and ZCO samples were estimated to be 19.8 and 16.7 nm, respectively. The crystallite size can significantly affect the charge transfer and conductivity in the counter electrode during electrochemical processes; the presence of nanocrystals with these sizes can notably enhance the electrochemical properties and conductivity of the synthesized samples. Raman analysis results indicate that no additional phases or secondary phases such as ZnS and CuSnS3 have formed in the kesterite CZTS structure, and the crystal has formed as a single phase. Additionally, the F2g modes in the Raman spectrum of ZCO indicate tetrahedral units in the spinel ZCO structure, and the A1g modes represent octahedral structures in this phase, indicating the formation of suitable ZCO phase. The superior performance of the CZTS/ZCO nanocomposite can be attributed to its enhanced crystalline structure, superior charge transport characteristics, and improved electrocatalytic behaviours.

Effect of hydrothermal time on catalyst activity of counter electrode Cu2S-rGO composite to enhance the efficiency of quantum dot solar cells

In this study, a high-efficiency reduced graphene oxide and Cu2S composite counter electrode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells is investigated via various hydrothermal times (12, 24, and 36 h). Besides, for comparison, Cu2S CE was fabricated by hydrothermal and chemical bath deposition methods. The morphology of the nanocomposites was studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It confirms the formation of nanoflower-like Cu2S intermixed with rGO sheets. The presence of Cu2S and rGO in rGO/Cu2S composites was identified by X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectra. The chemical composition and purity of rGO/Cu2S were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical property of the as-fabricated counter electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry analysis using the sulfide/polysulfide-based electrolyte. The optimum hydrothermal time was 24 h. The power conversion efficiency of 5.187 % for rGO/Cu2S 24-h counter electrode is higher than that of reduced graphene oxide (4.013 %), synthesized chemical bath deposition (3.466 %), and hydrothermal Cu2S (3.112 %) counter electrodes, respectively. The main reason is the Cu2S nanoflower morphology and the conductive reduced graphene oxide network, which provide more catalytically active sites and a rapid electron transport pathway. Overall, the ease of synthesis, low cost, time efficiency, and excellent electrocatalytic characteristics of the rGO/Cu2S composites demonstrated a promising counter electrode.