Counter Electrode For DSSCs Research Articles

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.

Dual-functionality of CZTS nanoflakes: as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries and as a counter electrode in DSSCs – a DFT and experimental investigation

Nanostructured CZTS based anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes with NiO and pt as Counter Electrodes for DSSC applications

NiO-MWCNT was synthesized using the hydrothermal method and used as a low-cost, platinum-free counter electrode for Dye-sensitized solar cells DSSCs. The DSSC based on NiO-MWCNT as a counter electrode achieves a high-power conversion efficiency of 8.53% under a simulated solar illumination of 100 mW cm-2 (AM 1.5). This efficiency is comparable to 7.9% for a DSSC equipped with a Pt counter electrode. Good charge conduction characteristics of the NiO-MWCNT electrode decreases charge loss and boosts the effectiveness of converting light into electrical current. The NiO-MWCNT electrode also increases light absorption and increases the efficiency of converting light energy into electrical energy by enhancing light dispersion within the solar cell. Other advantages of NiO-MWCNT electrodes are low cost and great sustainability. Comparing it to platinum, rare and expensive material, the use of NiO-MWCNT reduces the cost of the solar cell and contributes to environmental sustainability. In addition, the NiO-MWCNT electrode has a high chemical stability, making it more resistant to corrosion and damage in dye solar cell environments. This enhances the lifespan of the cell and ensures its long-term sustainability.

Favosites shaped carbon nanofibers modified by bimetallic Zn-Ni-MOF derivatives loaded with CoS2 as counter electrode material for liquid film dye-sensitized solar cells

Exploring new material structures of dye-sensitized solar cells for electrode materials is one of the important means to improve their performance. The Zn-Ni bimetallic MOF derivatives with coralliform structure are grown on carbon fibers to improve the ion diffusion rate by taking advantage of the structure, and the combination of carbon fibers and MOF derivatives fully improves the conductivity and specific surface area of the counter electrode material, and the loading of CoS2 nanoparticles on surface, together with the redox properties of Zn-Ni-MOF derivatives, make CoS2/Zn-Ni-MOF-D/CNF exhibit a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 10.11% (Pt, 8.73%) in DSSCs, and perform superiorly in the 50-turn CV stability test, while Pt electrode dispersion is obvious and peak position is derailed. This fully confirms that CoS2/Zn-Ni-MOF-D/CNF is a feasible attempt to substitute Pt as counter electrode in DSSCs.

Mesoporous Ti-substituted NiO nanosheets as an efficient electrocatalyst for triiodide reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells

In this work, a novel two-dimensional hexagonal mesoporous nickel oxide (2D-HM NiO) and titanium substituted NiO (Ti (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 mol%)-NiO) nanosheets (NSs) are synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method. The as-prepared 2D-HM NiO and Ti (1–9%)-NiO NSs are used to fabricate cost-effective counter electrodes (CEs) for DSSCs. The DSSCs device made with NiO and 1% of Ti-substituted NiO (1-TNO) CEs show excellent electrochemical properties and photovoltaic performance. The 100 consecutive cycles of cyclic voltammetry (CV) shows that NiO and 1-TNO CEs have high chemical stability towards I−/I3− redox mediator as compared with Pt CE. For the first time, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs with NiO-based CE reached up to 4.08% whereas 1-TNO CE a PCE slightly increased up to 4.12% which is relatively closer to Pt-based CE (5.34%) under identical working conditions. The high performance of NiO and 1-TNO CEs can be attributed to the large number of electrocatalytic active sites and fast ion diffusion, which is due to the high specific surface area of the 2D nanosheet structure with mesoporous nature.

Preparation and characterization of laser-induced graphene derived from polyimide for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

The synthesis of laser-induced graphene (LIG) from polyimide (PI) sheets provides a cost-effective and direct patterning approach for graphene-based electronic devices. However, the fabrication of LIG-based electrodes toward photovoltaic applications urgently needs to be explored. Herein, facile high-yield production of the porous LIG counter electrodes for DSSC applications was demonstrated by laser induction of PI film. The electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic activity of the LIG electrodes increased with the applied laser power due to the formation of a unique hierarchical porous graphene structure with abundant edges and defects, which resulted in an evident improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.56%. In addition, a one-step in situ synthesis of Pt/LIG composite was further demonstrated by laser irradiation on the PI sheet with low loadings of Pt precursor to obtain a Pt-less counter electrode. It is found that the Pt/LIG composite electrode-based DSSC achieved a higher PCE of 3.80%, which is comparable to that of pure Pt-based DSSC. This study demonstrates that the porous LIG from PI films is a promising candidate as a carbonaceous counter electrode for DSSCs.

An overview of the preparation and application of counter electrodes for DSSCs.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are potential products for the next generation of photovoltaic technology, which is one of the research hotspots in photovoltaics. The counter electrode in DSSCs collects electron in the external circuit and catalyzes the reduction of the redox electrolyte and hole transport in the solid electrolyte. Thus, it undoubtedly has an important impact on the photovoltaic performance, long-term stability, and cost of DSSCs. In this work, the materials of counter electrodes are classified into metals, carbon materials, conductive polymers, and inorganic compounds. The preparation, mechanism, conversion efficiency, and properties of counter electrodes are reviewed.

Synthesis of lignite-based Ni/C composite with low-medium temperature pyrolysis method as an efficient Pt-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

In order to obtain inexpensive Pt-free counter electrode materials for dye-sensitized solar cells and expand the application fields of low-rank coal, lignite-based Ni/C composite was prepared by low-medium temperature pyrolysis method using Huolinhe lignite as raw materials. The structure and chemical components of as-synthesized lignite-based Ni/C composite was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TG, Raman, SEM, TEM, and XPS, and the electrocatalytic activity of lignite-based Ni/C composite counter electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetric curve, electrochemical impedance spectrum, and Tafel polarization curve. It is found that the electrocatalytic activity of the lignite was improved after low-medium temperature pyrolysis and composited with Ni species to form lignite-based Ni/C composite, which helps to catalyze the reduction of electrolyte and thus improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cells. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of the dye-sensitized solar cells based on the lignite-based Ni/C composite counter electrode was 3.42% (Jsc = 11.49 mA cm−2, Voc = 0.75 V, FF = 0.40) significantly higher than that of the lignite counter electrode (η = 0.20%, Jsc = 3.16 mA cm−2, Voc = 0.72 V, FF = 0.09). This indicates that low-medium temperature pyrolysis and composition with Ni are an effective method to improve the photovoltaic performance of lignite-based counter electrode materials.Graphical abstractThe lignite-based Ni/C composite was synthesized and applied in counter electrode for DSSCs.

Laser-induced porous graphene from PEDOT:PSS films for dye-sensitized solar cells

• 3D porous graphene was firstly fabricated from PEDOT:PSS by a laser-scribing method. • Sheet resistance and morphology of LIG can be easily tuned by changing laser power. • LIG shows enhanced photovoltaic performance as a counter electrode for DSSCs. For the emerging laser-induced graphene (LIG) technologies, the exploration of laser irradiation interactions with various polymers and their new applications remains challenging. Herein, we report a novel strategy for the fabrication of 3D porous graphene electrodes from the aqueous PEDOT:PSS dispersion by a 445-nm diode laser in ambient air. By adjusting the laser power, LIG films exhibit a sheet resistance as low as 50 Ω/sq and their morphologies can change from a carbonized surface to a hierarchical porous structure. The dye-sensitized solar cell with a LIG70 counter electrode achieved a power conversion efficiency of 3.66%, which is over four times that of the pristine PEDOT:PSS electrode (0.80%). This work demonstrates the great potential for the application of PEDOT:PSS-based LIG films in photovoltaic devices.

Influence of Nitrogen and Sulfur Doping of Carbon Xerogels on the Performance and Stability of Counter Electrodes in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

In this work, carbon xerogels (CXGs) doped with nitrogen or sulfur have been investigated as DSSC counter electrodes. CXGs have been prepared by a sol–gel method from resorcinol and formaldehyde and subsequent carbonization. Nitrogen doping has been carried out by introducing melamine into the synthesis process along with resorcinol and formaldehyde, while sulfur has been incorporated by direct reaction of the carbon material with elemental sulfur. The counter electrodes for DSSCs have been prepared by airbrushing on conductive glass (fluorine-doped tin oxide, FTO), and their electrochemical behavior has been evaluated, observing that the introduction of heteroatoms such as nitrogen or sulfur leads to an improvement in efficiency compared to the undoped material thanks to a decrease in charge transfer resistance.

Waterproof India Ink-Coated Activated Carbon Sheet Counter Electrode for Quasi-Solid DSSCs: Stability Evaluation Under Indoor Light Conditions

Waterproof India Ink-Coated Activated Carbon Sheet Counter Electrode for Quasi-Solid DSSCs: Stability Evaluation Under Indoor Light Conditions

Dye‐sensitized solar cells based on nickel‐doped tungsten diselenide counter electrodes

AbstractDye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are gaining considerable interest as substitutes to solar cells based on semiconductor thin‐films owing to their cost‐effective and effortless fabrication methods. Efforts are being made to replace counter electrodes (CE) in DSSCs, which are conventionally based on noble metal platinum (Pt). Among the new materials as CE, two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide is one of the most explored to develop Pt‐free DSSCs. We report here the preparation of TiO2‐based DSSCs using beetroot (Beta vulgaris) extracts as sensitizers with carbon‐, pristine‐, and Ni (4%)‐doped WSe2 as the CEs. The Ni (4%) WSe2 CE exhibited a high‐power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.66% under the illumination of 100 mW cm−2. The electrical characteristics, including I‐V, C‐V, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, corroborate the better efficiency of Ni (4%) WSe2 CE. The cost‐effectiveness and efficiencies obtained for Pure and Ni (4%) WSe2 make them a worthy candidate as CE for DSSCs.

A dye-sensitized solar cell based on magnetic CoP@FeP4@Carbon composite counter electrode generated an efficiency of 9.88%

We present a facile systematic hydrothermal-phosphorization processing procedure for in situ growth of CoP@FeP4 on carbon paper, which could be used efficient counter electrodes in DSSCs with enhanced efficiency of 9.88%, much higher than that of the Pt (7.49%) CE.

Hydrothermal production of low-cost bismuth sulfide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite as counter electrode for DSSCs

Bi2S3/Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite were synthesized by a low-cost hydrothermal method and utilized in a low-cost, Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells. the structure properties of the Bi2S3 were extensively characterized using X-ray diffraction measurement, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical analysis reveals that the RGO addition into Bi2S3 resulted in reduced charge transfer resistance and improved catalytic activity. The RGO addition into Bi2S3 resulted in DSSC power conversion efficiency from 1.96% to 4.78%

A multifunctional Ni-doped iron pyrite/reduced graphene oxide composite as an efficient counter electrode for DSSCs and as a non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide electrochemical sensor.

Nickel-doped FeS2/rGO composites were synthesized as multifunctional materials via a facile hydrothermal method. The synthesized materials were characterized with XRD, FESEM, XPS, and TEM-SAED for structural, morphological and chemical studies. To study their electrochemical properties, all the synthesized composites were subjected to cyclic voltammetry tests. The optimum composite revealed high catalytic activity with high peak current density, limiting current, and efficiency of 7.60% for DSSC, which surpassed that of a platinum-based counter electrode (6.69%). The efficiency of the DSSC was significantly supported by interfacial studies and electron lifetime studies, and it exhibited lower charge transfer resistance and higher electron lifetime, respectively. Moreover, the fabricated DSSCs with high efficiency were subjected to transient photo-response studies and showed a stable current response with multiple photo-ON and OFF cycles for a period of 600 s. To broaden the application of the synthesized material, it was used as an electrochemical sensor for the efficient sensing of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The sensing electrode was modified with the optimum Ni-doped FeS2/rGO composite, and voltammetric detection was carried out in the hydrogen peroxide concentration range of 4-100 μM. Thus, the synthesized material can be applied in DSSCs and as an electrochemical H2O2 sensor.

Platinum-free metal sulfide counter electrodes for DSSC applications: Structural, electrochemical and power conversion efficiency analyses

Micro/Nanoscale binary (CoS, NiS, and ZnS) and ternary (CoNi2S4 and Zn0.76Co0.24S) metal sulfides were directly grown on FTO substrates by a novel one step hydrothermal method for low-cost DSSC counter electrode applications. XRD study confirms phase pure formation of CoS, NiS, ZnS, CoNi2S4 and Zn0.76Co0.24S. HRSEM images of CoS, NiS and CoNi2S4 films exhibits hierarchical flower, hexagonal microcage and flake like particulates respectively. The ZnS and Zn0.76Co0.24S films show spherical micro-nanoparticles. The nanoflake morphological CoS and CoNi2S4 revealed high surface area measured by BET analysis. XPS result confirms the chemical states of CoNi2S4 and Zn0.76Co0.24S. A detailed electrochemical cyclic voltammetry, Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses reveals the ternary metal sulfide (CoNi2S4) possesses an excellent electrocatalytic activity and electrical conductivity than other counter electrodes for the reduction of tri-iodide to iodide. Photovoltaic performance of the devices was studied using standard solar simulator at 1 Sun intensity (AM 1.5 G) and dark conditions. The reduced dark current obtained in CoNi2S4 and Zn0.76Co0.24S confirms the less recombination of electrons in ternary metal sulfides based DSSCs. The power conversion efficiency of ~4.03% achieved in Pt-free CoNi2S4 counter electrode is comparable to standard Pt based DSSC (~4.59%). The CoNi2S4 exhibiting good device performance and high electrocatalytic activity can serve as efficient low-cost counter electrode for Pt-free DSSCs.

Investigation of ultrashort (< 1 min) calcination processes for conversion of Pt–SnOx from mixture of chloroplatinic acid and tin(II) chloride

We investigate the ultrashort (< 1 min) calcination process for Pt–SnOx catalysts converted from a mixture solution of chloroplatinic acid and tin(II) chloride in air. An electric furnace is used to test the ultrashort calcination of Pt–SnOx catalysts used as counter electrodes (CEs) of DSSCs. By using a conventional electric furnace instead of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (Metals 8:690, 2018), the effect of reactive plasma species can be ruled out, and only the bare thermal effect is considered in this study. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that Pt–SnOx nanoparticles are well-distributed on the substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates the conversion of a large amount of metallic Pt and oxidized Sn. No metallic Pt is observed with 5-s calcination; however, ~ 74% Pt is converted into metallic Pt with 15-s calcination. Further increasing the calcination time does not increase the conversion rate of metallic Pt. By contrast, metallic Sn shows its maximum conversion rate of ~ 18% with 30-s calcination. Further increasing the calcination time to 30 min reduces the metallic Sn content to ~ 6%, possibly owing to Sn re-oxidation. When applying Pt–SnOx catalysts to CEs of DSSCs, the efficiency greatly increases as the calcination time increases from 15 to 30 s. The efficiency remains relatively unchanged for calcination time of 60 s to 30 min. The efficiencies of DSSCs with a Pt–SnOx CE calcined at longer processing times (≥ 60 s) are comparable to those of DSSCs with conventional Pt CEs. The left-hand-side image shows the Pt–SnOx nanoparticulate compounds. The right-hand-side figure shows the J–V curves.

Stability study of co-electrodeposited CZTS counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells

CZTS, is a good absorber material which also shows electrocatalytic behavior thus making it a suitable candidate for use as counter electrode for DSSCs. At the same time it is the long term stability of the counter electrode which is the primary motivation for carrying out this work. Herein, CZTS is electrodeposited on FTO coated glass and used as counter electrode to fabricate DSSCs. Sealed DSSCs were subjected to ageing in dark and under illumination at room temperature and cells were examined periodically using I-V and EIS measurements. CZTS counter electrode based DSSCs showed relatively stable performance after 120 days of ageing under illumination with slight decrement in the electrocatalytic activity of CZTS.

Impact of Electrocatalytic Activities of Doping Surfactants on Polyaniline as Pt-free Counter Electrode in DSSCs

Impact of Electrocatalytic Activities of Doping Surfactants on Polyaniline as Pt-free Counter Electrode in DSSCs

Hybrid films of PEDOT containing transition metal phosphates as high effective Pt-free counter electrodes for dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract Developing low-cost and high-performance Pt-free counter electrodes (CE) is of vital significance for the commercial DSSCs application. Herein, three kinds of transition metal phosphates (Ni3(PO4)2, Co3(PO4)2, Ag3PO4) were separately composited with the conductive binder PEDOT and the yielded hybrid films were successfully used as counter electrodes for DSSCs. It is found that the content of the phosphates forcefully affects the performance of the composite CEs. Among these phosphates-PEDOT hybrid films, the Ni3(PO4)2-based composite CE with 50 mg/ml Ni3(PO4)2 in PEDOT precursor solution, shows the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.412%, which is higher than the original PEDOT PCE (5.443%) and comparable with the conventional magnetron sputtering Pt PCE (6.307%). Various analytical methods were utilized to investigate the origin of the improved power conversion efficiency (PCE). The results demonstrate that large active area, low charge transfer resistance and excellent electrocatalytic activity contribute to the outstanding PCE. Moreover, the optimizing PEDOT-Ni3(PO4)2-50 hybrid film CE exhibits good stability in the practical operation, demonstrating its potential for replacing the rare and expensive Pt CE.