Counter Electrode For Solar Cells Research Articles

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.

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.

Nano tumbleweed-like tungsten disulfide as a viable surrogate for platinum counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells

Tungsten disulfide (WS2), a notable member of the transition metal dichalcogenides family, has emerged as a promising candidate for energy storage and conversion applications. In this study, WS2 was synthesized via a hydrothermal method using sodium tungstate and thiourea as precursor materials, with hydroxylamine hydrochloride as the reducing agent and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as a surfactant. The primary objective was to develop a cost-effective, easily synthesized, and scalable material capable of replacing platinum (Pt) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), where Pt is both prohibitively expensive and scarce. Characterization of the synthesized WS2 was conducted through a range of physical analyses, including SEM, TEM, XRD, EDAX, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, which provided compelling evidence for the formation of a unique nano-tumbleweed-like structure of WS2. When used as a counter electrode (CE), the synthesized WS2 exhibited exceptional photocatalytic activity, resulting in a commendable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.06 % when coupled with fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) plates coated with TiO2 as the photoanode, N719 as the dye, and Iˉ/I3ˉ as the liquid electrolyte. Additionally, the fabricated device underwent comprehensive electrical characterization, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), current-voltage (IV) measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel analysis, revealing properties similar to those of Pt counter electrodes. Notably, WS2 demonstrated an open-circuit potential of 852 mV and a short-circuit current density of 28 mA/cm2, accompanied by a fill factor of 0.43 and a commendable lifetime of 15.92 ms.

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.

Preparation of a hierarchical porous activated carbon derived from cantaloupe peel/fly ash/PEDOT:PSS composites as Pt-free counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

Hierarchical porous activated carbon/fly ash/PEDOT:PSS composites (AC:FA) for a counter electrode (CE) were created using a doctor blade technique and applied in dye sensitized solar cells. Hierarchical porous activated carbon (AC) was produced using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation process from cantaloupe peels (Cucumis melo L. var. cantaloupensis). AC was introduced into fly ash at various mass ratios to enhance several physical and electrochemical characteristics. Compared to bare FA, the AC:FA electrode displayed a high electrocatalytic activity for the iodide/triiodide redox (I−/I3−) reaction. The test findings show that a higher proportion of AC has an impact on a CE's catalytic activity and charge transfer resistance. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) attained 5.81 % using the AC:FA CE with AC in a mass ratio of FA in 3:1 (wt./wt.), which is very near the performance of manufactured DSSC's with a platinum (Pt)-based CE (5.91 %). The AC:FA CE stands out as a strong candidate to substitute for costly Pt CEs due to its enhanced electrochemical activity and charge transfer capabilities obtained with an inexpensive and simple production procedure.

Fully Additively Manufactured Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the counter electrode (CE) plays a crucial role as an electron transfer agent and regenerator of the redox couple. Unlike conventional CEs that are generally made of glass-based substrates (e.g., FTO/glass), polymer substrates appear to be emerging candidates, owing to their intrinsic properties of lightweight, high durability, and low cost. Despite great promise, current manufacturing methods of CEs on polymeric substrates suffer from serious limitations, including low conductivity, scalability, process complexity, and the need for dedicated vacuum equipment. In the present study, we employ and evaluate a fully additive manufacturing route that can enable the fabrication of CEs for DSSCs in a high-throughput and eco-friendly manner with improved performance. The proposed approach sequentially comprises: (1) material extrusion 3-D printing of polymer substrate; (2) conductive surface metallization through cold spray particle deposition; and (3) over-coating of a thin-layer catalyzer with a graphite pencil. The fabricated electrodes are characterized in terms of microstructure, electrical conductivity, and photo-conversion efficiency. Owing to its promising electrical conductivity (8.5 × 104 S·m-1) and micro-rough surface structure (Ra ≈ 6.32 µm), the DSSCs with the additively manufactured CEs led to ≈2.5-times-higher photo-conversion efficiency than that of traditional CEs made of FTO/glass. The results of the study suggest that the proposed additive manufacturing approach can advance the field of DSSCs by addressing the limitations of conventional CE manufacturing platforms.

Highly transparent and efficient Pt/CeOx counter electrodes for bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells

In this research, we introduce a pioneering approach for enhancing the electrocatalytic performance of counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by synthesizing Pt/CeOx hybrid nanocatalysts through a refined polyol reduction technique. This method facilitates the accurate production of Pt nanoparticles supported on ceria, leveraging their strong metal-oxide interactions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to confirm the co-presence of both metallic and oxidized states of Pt, as well as the mixed valence states of ceria within these nanostructures. The electrocatalytic behavior of these nanocatalysts was rigorously evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel polarization analyses, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We identified an optimal Pt/Ce ratio of 1:0.1, which significantly enhanced the kinetics of the iodine reduction reaction (IRR), a crucial factor for efficient DSSC operation. Photovoltaic testing under one-sun AM 1.5 G conditions demonstrated that DSSCs with the optimized Pt/CeOx CEs exhibited a 10 % increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) comparted to control cells. This study highlights the effectiveness of Pt/CeOx hybrid nanocatalysts in improving bifacial DSSC performance, combining the catalytic strengths of platinum with the unique properties of ceria.

Size-Controlled Cu3VSe4 Nanocrystals as Cathode Material in Platinum-Free Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

In this work, we report the first single-step, size-controlled synthesis of Cu3VSe4 cuboidal nanocrystals, with the longest dimension ranging from 9 to 36 nm, and their use in replacing the platinum counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells. Cu3VSe4, a ternary semiconductor from the class of sulvanites, is theoretically predicted to have good hole mobility, making it a promising candidate for charge transport in solar photovoltaic devices. The identity and crystalline purity of the Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals were validated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The particle size was determined from the XRD data using the Williamson-Hall equation and was found in agreement with the transmission electron microscopy imaging. Based on the electrochemical activity of the Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals, studied by cyclic voltammetry, the nanomaterials were further employed for fabricating counter electrodes (CEs) in Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells. The counter electrodes were prepared from Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals as thin films, and the charge transfer kinetics were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The work demonstrates that Cu3VSe4 counter electrodes successfully replace platinum in DSSCs. CEs fabricated with the Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals having an average particle size of 31.6 nm outperformed Pt, leading to DSSCs with the highest power conversion efficiency (5.93%) when compared with those fabricated with the Pt CE (5.85%).

A low-cost, activated carbon-coated, stainless-steel counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

A low-cost, activated carbon (AC) and sugar-coated stainless-steel counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells was successfully fabricated and characterized. For performance comparison, a similar electrode was fabricated using a FTO glass as the substrate. The photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells made with these two counter electrodes were compared with solar cells made with a Pt counter electrode. The optimized, activated carbon-coated, stainless-steel-based dye-sensitized solar cells showed an energy conversion efficiency of 8.21% while similarly optimized solar cells made with activated carboncoated FTO counter electrode showed an efficiency of 7.50%. The efficiency of corresponding solar cells made with Pt counter electrode was 9.22%. The high solar cell efficiency of 89% of that of Pt based cells can be attributed to the high electro-catalytic activity and enhanced effective surface area of activated carbon/ sugar composite and good electrical conductivity of stainless steel as demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, Tafel plot analysis and SEM imaging.

Design and fabrication of NiSe2/g-C3N4 hybrid composite counter electrode for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

Design and fabrication of NiSe2/g-C3N4 hybrid composite counter electrode for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

Bismuth sulfide/carbon black: as a pt free and efficient counter electrode in DSSC

A hydrothermal method was utilized to synthesize microstructures of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) across a range of reaction temperatures, spanning from 140 to 180 °C. The impact of varying reaction temperatures on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the deposited Bi2S3 material was thoroughly examined. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the presence of an orthorhombic crystal structure. The formation of intricate three-dimensional Bi2S3 microstructures was evident under field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), with the reaction temperature playing a pivotal role in this process. Furthermore, Bi2S3-carbon black composites were employed as the counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. The current density–voltage characteristics of the DSSCs revealed a clear correlation between photoconversion efficiency and the reaction temperature. Notably, the Bi2S3-carbon black film with a 1:1 ratio achieved a peak photoelectric conversion efficiency of 4.37 ± 0.01%. It also exhibited a short-circuit current density of 10.29 mA cm−2 and an open-circuit potential of 0.70 V. Future studies should explore the broader implications of Bi2S3-carbon black composites in various optoelectronic and photocatalytic devices. Secondly, while our findings provide valuable insights, a more in-depth understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing the enhanced photoconversion efficiency, especially with the 1:1 ratio of Bi2S3-carbon black, requires further exploration.

Ni and P co-doped WS2 nanosheets decorated on MWCNTs as an efficient counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Designing of inexpensive and robust counter electrode (CE) material without noble metals is of great essential for improving the overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, nickel (Ni) and phosphorus (P) co-doped WS2 nanosheets decorated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ni/P-WS2 @MWCNTs) was fabricated via single-step hydrothermal method and used as CE for DSSC. According to the electrochemical studies, the Ni/P-WS2 @MWCNTs CE displayed remarkable catalytic activities, great electron transfer ability, and high durability in the I−/I3− electrolyte. More importantly, the device equipped with Ni/P-WS2 @MWCNTs CE yielded an outstanding PCE of 8.62%, surpassing that of standard Pt (PCE=6.61%) and other corresponding counterparts. Such notable photovoltaic performance can be ascribed to the synergistic coupling effect of heteroatom doping and support role of conductive carbon network, which offer abundant catalytic active sites, high porosity, and exceptional electrical conductivity. Our work suggests a novel strategy to fabricate Pt-like CE materials based on metal and nonmetal heteroatoms co-doped in metal chalcogenides with excellent performances for large-scale energy conversion devices to reach the consumer market.

Construction of magnetic Fe2P2O7/Ni2P@Mxene composite counter electrode for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Exploring an effective synthesis method for preparing platinum (Pt)-free counter electrode (CE) catalysts with low-cost, superior catalytic ability and electrochemical stability is essential for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, the synthesis of Fe2P2O7/Ni2P was realized through hydrothermal treatment of Fe2P2O7/Ni2P precursor and followed phosphorization process. Next, the Fe2P2O7/Ni2P@Mxene composite was prepared by physical grinding with different contents of Ti3C2 Mxene. The Fe2P2O7/Ni2P@Mxene CE exhibits the most excellent catalytic reduction ability and the fine charge-transfer resistance of 1.0 Ω cm2 for the reduction of triiodide electrolyte with 80 wt% Ti3C2 Mxene, which has surpassed the Pt CE. As consequence, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of 9.29 % is achieved for the DSSC with the Fe2P2O7/Ni2P@Mxene CE under the optimized conditions, which is much higher than that of the DSSC Pt-based (7 %). Its high conductivity, prefect catalytic activity, and their synergistic effects of Fe2P2O7/Ni2P and Ti3C2 Mxene towards iodide/triiodide electrolyte of the Fe2P2O7/Ni2P@Mxene CE play an important role in the generation of high efficiency for the cells.

Fabrication of graphitic carbon nitride-decorated MoSe2 hybrid nanocomposite as an efficient counter electrode for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

Fabrication of graphitic carbon nitride-decorated MoSe2 hybrid nanocomposite as an efficient counter electrode for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

N, S Co-doped carbon-encapsulated CoS(Co9S8) hybrid counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

N, S Co-doped carbon-encapsulated CoS(Co9S8) hybrid counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

In situ grown Bi2WO6@CoMoO4 layered cladding structure on carbon nanofibers by a two-step solvothermal method and Ti mesh substrate as advanced counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells.

Based on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with excellent electrical conductivity, a three-layer cladding structure CNFs@Bi2WO6@CoMoO4 material was prepared by a two-step solvothermal method, which effectively combines the great catalytic ability of transition metal oxides with the good conductivity of CNFs. Titanium (Ti) mesh was used as the conductive substrate and CNFs@Bi2WO6@CoMoO4 was scraped on it to prepare paired counter electrodes (CEs), and then dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were assembled by unifying with photoanode and iodine electrolyte. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.41% (with Voc of 0.784 V, Jsc of 17.90 mA cm-2 and FF of 0.72) was obtained under standard light conditions (AM 1.5 G). In brief, this study found a cheaper and better alternative material for Pt and also provides more possibilities for the selection of conductive substrate for CEs.

Kinetics of Charge Transfer at Carbon-Based Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Aqueous Electrolytes

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) might provide a highly sustainable alternative for next generation photovoltaics. This is due to their low-energy production from abundant materials, short energy payback time, high efficiency under low illumination intensities (i.e., diffuse light or indoor conditions), and versatile concepts of applications. However, some commonly used electrolyte components are environmentally problematic. Acetonitrile or other volatile organic solvents, e.g., as well as carcinogenic cobalt complexes should not leak from DSSCs. Sealing foils, however, which are typically used to prevent such leakage, carry a risk of long-term failure.Replacing the organic solvent by water offers several advantages, as it is environmentally benign, less volatile and the cell function, further, cannot be damaged by the intrusion of water vapor. Instead of Co-complexes, e.g., the stable organic radical TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tretramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) can serve as an alternative redox mediator with a highly positive redox potential (0.71 V vs. NHE). Using TEMPO, power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 4.3% and high open-circuit voltages (V oc = 0.955 V) have been reported.[1] However, the use of TEMPO is limited by its solubility in water (C max < 0.15 M). Its derivative 4-hydroxy-TEMPO (OH-TEMPO) possesses a significantly higher solubility in water (C max > 2 M) and a more positive redox potential (0.81 V vs. NHE), making it a promising candidate as a redox mediator.In this work, we built DSSCs with TEMPO and OH-TEMPO based aqueous electrolytes, Y123-sensitized TiO2 photoanodes, and counter electrodes coated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiphene) (PEDOT). For OH-TEMPO, the short-circuit current density (j sc) and open-circuit voltage were higher than with TEMPO, but the fill factor (FF) and the PCE were significantly lower. By impedance studies, large charge transfer resistances at the counter electrode (R CE) were obtained for OH-TEMPO in combination with additives such as 1-methylbenzimidazole (MBI), indicating a strong kinetic limitation of the OH-TEMPO+ reduction. However, we found that such additives as MBI or other organic compounds, are necessary to suppress recombination at the photoanode/electrolyte interface. Thus, we subsequently studied different counter electrode materials, such as platinum (reference), conducting polymers, and carbon materials, in contact to OH-TEMPO electrolytes with MBI to determine R CE and find suitable materials for the application in DSSCs.[1] Yang, W., Söderberg, M., Eriksson, A. I. K. & Boschloo, G. Efficient aqueous dye-sensitized solar cell electrolytes based on a TEMPO/TEMPO+ redox couple. RSC Advances 5, 26706–26709 (2015).

P-doped NiS2/Ni nanoheteroparticles embedded into N-doped carbon framework anchored on multi-walled carbon nanotubes as an efficient counter electrode for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

Designing of inexpensive counter electrode (CE) material with robust electrochemical properties and perfect electrical conductivity is of great essential to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, the catalytic nickel nanoparticles are in-situ embedded into nitrogen-doped carbon framework (Ni-NC) by high-temperature carbonization. Next, the formed Ni-NC hybrid is subjected to simultaneous sulfurization/phosphorization treatment in the N2 atmosphere to acquire P–NiS2/Ni-NC. Finally, the acquired P–NiS2/Ni-NC hybrid is anchored on functional carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by ultrasonication to obtain P–NiS2/Ni-NC@MWCNTs. According to the electrochemical results, the P–NiS₂/Ni-NC@MWCNTs CE displays remarkable catalytic activities, great electron transfer ability, and high stability in the iodine/iodide electrolyte. DSSC assembled with P–NiS2/Ni-NC@MWCNTs CE yields an impressive PCE of 9.57 %, surpassing those of platinum (Pt) electrode (PCE = 7.84 %) and other corresponding counterparts. Such notable photovoltaic performance can be ascribed to the structural advantages and synergistic coupling effect of NiS2/Ni nanoheterostructure, P doping effect, and the support role of porous carbon network, which offer abundant catalytic active sites, high porosity, and exceptional electrical conductivity. Our work suggests a novel strategy to fabricate Pt-like CE materials based on transition metal sulfides/carbon-based nanostructures with excellent performances for large-scale energy conversion devices to reach the consumer market.

Innovative PANI/g-C3N4@rGO nanocomposite electrode for improved energy storage and conversion applications

We successfully synthesized a ternary conducting polymer nanocomposite using an in-situ oxidative polymerization method, incorporating polyaniline, graphitic carbon nitride, and reduced graphene oxide. This nanocomposite serves as a bifunctional electrode for applications in energy storage and conversion. The as-prepared PANI nanocomposite exhibited excellent storage properties, with a specific capacitance of 442 F/g in 1 M H2SO4 as an electrolyte in the presence of graphitic-C3N4@reduced graphene oxide. This is a significant enhancement over the specific capacitance of pure PANI, which is typically∼200 F/g. Interestingly, the PANI/graphitic-C3N4@reduced graphene oxide electrode exhibited better cycling stability with 90% retention of the specific capacitance after 5000 cycles at a current density of 2.5 A/g. Furthermore, when employed as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), it exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity, which is attributed to its large specific surface area and superior electrocatalytic activity. The dye-sensitized TiO2 photoanodes were sandwiched between CEs using a PEO-based gel electrolyte, and photovoltaic studies were performed under simulated illumination of 100 mW/cm2. The dye sensitized solar cell exhibited the short circuit current density (Jsc) 13.5 mA/cm2 and open circuit voltage (Voc) 0.76 V with power conversion efficiency of 6 %.

Characterization of carbon derived from candle by flame-soot method for counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

Candle soot, carbon samples prepared by flame-soot method, was characterized and investigated for its catalytic ability for the reduction of tri-iodide ions aiming to substitute expensive platinum based electrode used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy of the candle soot samples revealed that the soot contains 96% carbon. Similarly, Scanning Electron Microscopy images show that the candle soot consists of interconnected carbon nanoparticles of size ∼50 nm. Furthermore, X-ray Diffraction and Raman spectroscopy showed that the candle soot consists of disordered and ordered graphitic carbons in a comparable proportion. The catalytic ability of the candle soot was compared with that of platinum by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of the symmetrical electrochemical cells. The charge transfer resistance (Rct) at the candle soot-electrolyte interface was observed to be ∼4.42 Ω cm2 compared to ∼ 5.04 Ω cm2 that of the platinum-electrolyte interface. The candle soot was prepared by a simple method using low-cost material; hence, it can be a low-cost and efficient counter electrode material alternate to the platinum used in counter electrodes of DSCs.