Counter Electrode For Solar Cells Research Articles

Iron alloying improved electrocatalytic activity of Cu2Cu1−xFexSnS4 counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells

Iron alloying improved electrocatalytic activity of Cu2Cu1−xFexSnS4 counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells

Design and fabrication of BaSnO3/RGO as efficient Pt-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Design and fabrication of BaSnO3/RGO as efficient Pt-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Experimental and computational investigation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated by Co–Ni–Se@MoSe2 core–shell as a sustainable counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

The development of a highly active, long-lasting, and cost-effective electrocatalyst as an alternative to platinum (Pt) is a vital issue for the commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, Co–Ni–Se@MoSe2 core–shell structures decorated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized for the first time by the hydrothermal and probe-sonication methods. The electrochemical performance of this composite was examined using electrochemical measurement techniques. The results showed improved properties and better electrochemical activities of the Co–Ni–Se@MoSe2@MWCNTs than Pt and other counter electrodes (CEs) for the triiodide reduction and exhibit good electrochemical stability in iodine-based electrolytes. The power conversion efficiency of DSSCs based on Co–Ni–Se@MoSe2@MWCNTs CE reaches 9.43%, significantly superior to that with Co–Ni–Se@MoSe2 core–shell (8.13%), Pt CE (7.44%), and other CEs. The notable performance is attributed to the synergistic effect between Co–Ni–Se@MoSe2 and MWCNTs. As a result, the transfer of electrons to the active site is promoted, the agglomeration of Co–Ni–Se@MoSe2 is hampered, and more active sites are available. Density functional theory calculations revealed that I2 adsorption on MoSe2 surfaces facilitated the generation of I− ions, which played a critical role in enhancing the reaction efficiency. Therefore, the Co–Ni–Se@MoSe2@MWCNTs composite is a promising candidate for use in high-performance DSSCs.

Vanadium Doped CoP on a Carbon Paper Composite as a Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Vanadium Doped CoP on a Carbon Paper Composite as a Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Efficient One-Step Synthesis of a Pt-Free Zn0.76Co0.24S Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells and Its Versatile Application in Photoelectrochromic Devices.

In this study, we synthesized a ternary transition metal sulfide, Zn0.76Co0.24S (ZCS-CE), using a one-step solvothermal method and explored its potential as a Pt-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Comprehensive investigations were conducted to characterize the structural, morphological, compositional, and electronic properties of the ZCS-CE electrode. These analyses utilized a range of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic performance of ZCS-CE for the reduction of I3- species in a symmetrical cell configuration was evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Our findings reveal that ZCS-CE displayed superior electrocatalytic activity and stability when compared to platinum in I-/I3- electrolyte systems. Furthermore, ZCS-CE-based DSSCs achieved power conversion efficiencies on par with their Pt-based counterparts. Additionally, we expanded the applicability of this material by successfully powering an electrochromic cell with ZCS-CE-based DSSCs. This work underscores the versatility of ZCS-CE and establishes it as an economically viable and environmentally friendly alternative to Pt-based counter electrodes in DSSCs and other applications requiring outstanding electrocatalytic performance.

Copper tungstates directly derived from polyoxotungstate-MOF as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

The strategically selection of different selection of reaction temperature directly affects the performance of the target catalyst. Herein, copper tungstate species catalysts were directly derived from polyoxotungstate-based metal–organic frameworks ([Cu2(BTC)4/3(H2O)2]6[H3PW12O40], PW12-MOF) as sacrificial template by in-situ pyrolysis at temperatures of 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 °C under the protection of N2, and further served as counter electrodes (CEs) to assemble dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The corresponding characterization of XRD, XPS, SEM and N2 adsorption/desorption revealed that PW12-MOF can be converted into copper tungstate, and the ligand groups can be carbonized into graphitic C to embedded in CuWO4, thus forming CuWO4@C composite at 800 °C. The significant effect of different pyrolysis temperatures on the electrocatalytic performance of the prepared CuWO4-based catalysts were identified with cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization. Furthermore, five different CuWO4-based catalysts were applied to regenerate I3−/I− shuttles in DSSCs, and then achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 5.79, 6.39, 7.01, 6.15 and 5.40% by photocurrent-voltage measurement, respectively, which was caused by the enhancement of electrical conductivity and the increase of catalytic active sites by the synergistic effect between CuWO4 and C, illustrating an excellent alternative to Pt CEs in the encapsulated DSSCs.

Synergistic effect of interface and defect engineering of MoC/MoO2 nano dot encapsulated N-doped carbon nanoflowers for highly durable dye-sensitized solar cells

The design and fabrication of advanced counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are limited by the scarcity of active sites and poor durability. Herein, we report the controlled preparation of a heterostructured nanoreactor CE based on defect-rich N-doped carbon nanoflowers (NCF) encapsulating MoC/MoO2 nano dots (NDs) in a well-defined heterophase (MoC/MoO2-NCF). The MoC/MoO2 NDs were uniformly dispersed on the NCF, and the NCF limited the size of the MoC/MoO2 NDs and prevented their agglomeration, thus maximizing the electrochemically active surface area of MoC/MoO2. Moreover, the synergistic effect between the MoC/MoO2 interface and the N-defects is conducive to the full exposure of the active sites. Furthermore, theoretical calculations revealed that the MoC/MoO2 heterojunction played a unique role in modulating the electronic structure and regulating the adsorption energy of tri-iodide in the iodide reduction reaction. The MoC/MoO2-NCF CEs in DSSCs demonstrated a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.92% and high durability, exceeding the PCE (8.36%) and durability of Pt CEs. Overall, this study offers insights into the controlled synthesis of high-performance Mo-based composite CE materials for DSSCs.

Electrochemical evaluations of reduced graphene oxide for efficient counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell

The design and development of an alternative counter electrode (CE) using graphene-based low-cost material for the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is the major motivation of the current research to replace the traditional platinum counter electrode. Herein, we prepared reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and investigated it for an efficient CE in DSSC. The structural and morphological properties of rGO are analyzed using FESEM, TEM and Raman techniques. The performance of I3- reduction on the CE is characterized by the EIS Nyquist plot, cyclic voltammetry, and the Tafel curve. The measured electrochemical results suggested that rGO CE has a lower charge transfer resistance (Rct), higher cathodic current density (Jrd), and higher Tafel slope as compared to graphene oxide (GO) CE, revealing that rGO CE has good catalytic activity towards the I3- reduction.

Metal-Organic Frameworks Based Multifunctional Materials for Solar Cells: A Review

Developing low-cost and stable materials for converting solar energy into electricity is vital in meeting the world’s energy demand. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention for solar cells due to their natural porous architectures and tunable chemical structures. They are built by high-symmetry metal clusters as secondary building units and organic carboxylate/azolate ligands as linkers. This review commences with an exploration of the synthetic methods of MOFs. Moreover, we discuss the various roles of MOFs, including photoanodes and counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells and interfacial layers and charge carriers in perovskite solar cells. Additionally, studies involving the application of MOFs for OSC were additionally presented. Ultimately, burdensome tasks and possible directions for advancing MOFs-based nanomaterials are provided for solar cells.

Bi2Se3 nanoparticles anchored MWCNTs: Counter electrode in a dye-sensitized solar cell

Anchoring of Bi2Se3 nanoparticles over ‘dip and dry’ coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been accomplished using a room-temperature (27 °C), inexpensive, and convenient chemical route, namely, successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), to yield a nanohybrid composite electrode to serve as a counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. The growth of Bi2Se3 on MWCNTs has been well-tuned through varying SILAR cycles (MBSe-series) and tested as counter electrodes (CEs) with reference to MWCNTs and Bi2Se3 in FTO/ZnO/Eosin-Y/Iodide-triiodide/Counter electrode/FTO assembly. Grown CEs have been validated through XRD, XPS, Raman, FTIR, and FESEM studies, while the assembled DSSCs have been assessed through JV, EQE, EIS, and electrochemical stability studies. Well-optimized Bi2Se3/MWCNTs nanohybrid composites have been used as CEs in DSSCs and showed superior device performance (0.52 %) compared to bare MWCNTs (0.14 %) and Bi2Se3 (0.09 %) due to the well-anchored Bi2Se3 over one-dimensional MWCNTs through a large number of synergistic electrochemical active sites. A DSSC fabricated with MBSe-12 as the CE exhibits enhanced stability compared to bare Bi2Se3 and MWCNTs. Also, it reveals a charge transfer resistance of 7.92 Ω/cm2 and an electron lifetime of 16 μs, yielding a maximum efficiency of 0.52 % and an external quantum efficiency of 28.20 %.

Lithium-functionalized graphene oxide with a low load of Pt as an efficient counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Lithium-functionalized graphene oxide with a low load of Pt as an efficient counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Study of Zirconium-Based Conversion Coating on Aluminum Counter Electrodes of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells for Anti-corrosion Resistance and Morphology

Study of Zirconium-Based Conversion Coating on Aluminum Counter Electrodes of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells for Anti-corrosion Resistance and Morphology

Novel ZnCo2O4/WO3 nanocomposite as the counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs): study of electrocatalytic activity and charge transfer properties

Nowadays, Pt coated FTO is used conventionally as the counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). In addition to the high price of the Pt electrode, it reduces the stability of the DSSC. In this study, we introduce and study a new counter electrode based on the ZnCo2O4/WO3 composite that is used in DSSC. We show that the efficiency of the DSSC can be enhanced even more then the Pt-based one by employing the ZnCo2O4/WO3 as counter electrode. By examining the structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical properties of the synthesized electrodes, we investigate the counter electrodes synthesized under different conditions. The XRD patterns and FESEM images confirm that the composite phase of the ZnCo2O4/WO3 layers is formed. Additionally, electrochemical studies by CV, Tafel, EIS, and Mott-Schottky methods indicate the electrocatalytic activity of the ZnCo2O4/WO3 sample have significantly increased compared to ZnCo2O4 and WO3 electrodes. Furthermore, the characterization of DSSCs with TiO2 photoanode and different counter electrodes show that the efficiency of the solar cells based on ZnCo2O4/WO3 has a promising efficiency of 7.76%, which has increased by 7% compared to the Pt one.

Atomic-scale carbon framework reconstruction enables nitrogen-doping up to 33.8 at% in graphene nanoribbon

Nitrogen-doping is well-known to be an effective and promising strategy to tune the electronic states and configurations of carbon materials for catalysis, energy conversion and storage. Since 2009, numerous investigations have demonstrated that the catalytic activity of the nitrogen-doped carbon materials can be improved with an increased doping concentration, yet, how to realize a high doping level remains a great challenge, and to what level remains an open and elusive question. Herein, we report an “in situ framework reconstruction of g-C3N4” that can provide a suitable and simple approach for Nitrogen-superdoping, where nitrogen vacancy formed at C-N = C site in the g-C3N4 framework help to activate adjacent C atoms that are endowed with unpaired electrons dwelling, thus, to be more active. Importantly, both density functional theory analyses and experiments reveal that they are energetically favorable to bond with an ethene molecule, reconstructing a π-bonded dual nitrogen-doped hexagonal-C ring that further acts as building block of the as-formed graphene nanoribbons. Finally, the nitrogen-doping level and the configuration can be finely tuned in a wide range, and up to 33.8 at% of nitrogen is homogenously doped. With the Nitrogen-superdoped graphene nanoribbons as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells, which have attracted wide attention due to their easy fabrication and relative high power conversion efficiency (PCE), a PCE of 8.60% is achieved. This present work represents a breakthrough in high-efficiency nitrogen-doping of carbon materials, and will fastly promote the chemistry, chemical engeering and material industry involved in carbon.

Exploring a novel counter electrode material (NiO/Co3O4/CuO anchored on rGO) as an efficient replacement for platinum in dye-sensitized solar cells

Solar cells are one of the best-suited devices which can deal with drastic energy demands due to advancements in technology. In this work, Pt-free rGO/NiO/Co3O4/CuO (RNCC) was developed to serve as the counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. RNCC was used with a variety of photoanodes (PA), including TiO2, ZnO, and TiO2/ZnO employing N-719 as the dye matrix and FTO as the substrate. The produced Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) were tested in terms of their functionality, optical properties and photovoltaic performance. The produced DSSC using RNCC as the counter electrode was fabricated 20 times to ensure its reproducibility and was discovered to have a promising photo conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.33 % which is 90.13 % of Pt counter electrode (8.3 %) used under the identical conditions. Thus, making the RNCC nanocomposite serve as a virtuous alternative to high-cost Pt as CE thereby accelerating cost-efficient in DSSCs in the future.

Hierarchical α-MoC1-x@N-doped carbon nanospheres as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Molybdenum-based carbides, as one of the representatives of transition metal compounds, are a promising alternative to the expensive and resource constrained Pt-based counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, a series of hierarchical α-MoC1-x@N-doped carbon (MDNC) composites are transformed from the step-by-step pyrolysis of uniformly Mo-based compounds and dopamine precursors at the temperatures of 650, 750, 850, and 950 °C under N2 atmosphere, respectively. The MDNC precursors were synthesized by a simple one-step self-polymerization in a water-in-oil system. And then, the obtained MDNC nanocrystalline composites can accelerate electron conduction and improve the electrocatalytic property of the tri-iodide reduction reaction (IRR) owing to the C carrier obtained through the pyrolysis process and the N-doped of α-MoC1-x by the carbonization of dopamine and the high temperature nitrogen atmosphere. In addition, the distinct hierarchical structure of MDNC with well-developed porosity and high specific surface area can expose numerous active catalytic sites. The DSSCs using the MDNC series as CEs for I3−/I− exhibit power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 5.99 %, 6.35 %, 6.57 % and 5.57 %, respectively, which were versus 5.83 % of Pt CE.

Phosphorus doped CuS as an advanced counter electrode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity and low cost is essential for the commercial application of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Transition metal phosphides and sulfides have been demonstrated as outstanding multifunctional catalysts in a broad range of energy conversion technologies. Herein, we exploited an advanced phosphorus doped copper sulfide (P-doped CuS) as CEs in QDSSCs. P-doped CuS was synthesized by a hydrothermal process and subsequently a process for phosphatizing CuS in a tube furnace at 270 °C with NaH2PO2 as the phosphorus source. The morphology, composition and crystalline phase of P-doped CuS have been studied by X-ray and electron-based characterizations (XRD, SEM, TEM and XPS). The photovoltaic parameters of QDSSCs based on P-doped CuS CEs show an obvious dependence on the P-doping concentration, and QDSSCs based on the P-doped CuS CE with 1.9% P-doping yield a maximum power conversion efficiency of 3.45%, a 36% improvement over the QDSSCs based on the CuS CEs. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Tafel polarization and cyclic voltammetry measurements showed that the electrocatalytic activity of P-doped CuS CEs in the S2−/Sn2− redox reaction was higher than that of CuS CEs, which supported the results of enhanced short-circuit current density, open circuit voltage and filling factor.

Optimizing platinum-free counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells: Multiwalled carbon nanotube forests covered with ruthenium layers

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) forests have extremely large surface areas and high catalytic activity. To use them as alternative materials for Pt/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conventional counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), a unique Ru metal layer, prepared with 600-cycle atomic layer deposition, was employed. The best Ru-coated MWCNT forest (Ru/MWCNT) CE performance was achieved by examining the experimental conditions for the MWCNT forests, including deposition processes, catalyst thicknesses and synthesis time. The results revealed that 20μm-thick MWCNT forests with numerous defects/disordered sites exhibit excellent CE performance. In practice, Ru/MWCNT CEs prepared under optimal synthesis conditions show low charge transfer resistance (Rct of approximately 2.5 ohm) and series resistance (Rs of approximately 14 ohm) that are even better than those for Pt/FTO CEs (Rct=6.36 ohm and Rs=16.4 ohm). Owing to these excellent Rct and Rs values, dye-sensitized solar cells with optimized Ru/MWCNT CEs showed better performance than those containing Pt/FTO CEs. Finally, post-heat treatment of Ru/MWCNT CEs increased the cell efficiency of the DSSCs.

Phase-Selective Synthesis of Cobalt Sulfide Heterostructure Catalysts as Efficient Counter electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Developing a cost-saving, high-efficiency, and simple synthesis of counter electrode (CE) material to replace pricy Pt for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has become a research hotspot. Owing to the electronic coupling effects between various components, semiconductor heterostructures can significantly enhance the catalytic performance and endurance of counter electrodes. However, the strategy to controllably synthesize the same element in several phase heterostructures used as the CE in DSSCs is still absent. Here, we fabricate well-defined CoS2/CoS heterostructures and use them as CE catalysts in DSSCs. The as-designed CoS2/CoS heterostructures display high catalytic performance and endurance for the triiodide reduction in DSSCs thanks to the combined and synergistic effects. As a result, a DSSC with CoS2/CoS achieves a high power conversion efficiency of 9.47% under illumination, surpassing that of pristine Pt-based CE (9.20%). Besides, the CoS2/CoS heterostructures possess a quick activity initiation process and extended stability, broadening their potential applications in various areas. Therefore, our proposed synthetic approach could offer new insights for synthesizing functional heterostructure materials with improved catalytic activities in DSSCs.

Synthesis of Single Crystal 2D Cu2FeSnS4 Nanosheets with High-Energy Facets (111) as a Pt-Free Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Two-dimensional Cu2FeSnS4 (CFTS) nanosheets with exposed high-energy facets (111) have been synthesized by a facile, scalable, and cost-effective one-pot heating process. The CFTS phase formation is confirmed by both X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The formation mechanism of exposed high-energy facet CFTS growth is proposed and its electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties are investigated in detail to reveal the origin of the anisotropic effect of the high-energy facets. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) achieve a favorable power conversion efficiency of 5.92% when employing CFTS thin film as a counter electrode, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective substitute for Pt in DSSCs.