Electrodes For Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Synthesis of ruthenium sulfide nanoparticles decorated on reduced graphene oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a catalytic counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells exceeding 13 % efficiency

The luxury price, shortage, and instability of platinum (Pt) markedly hamper its commercialization in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Consequently, developing an efficient alternative catalyst in lieu of noble Pt is imperative issue for the promotion of DSSCs. In this paper, a robust and electrochemically stable 3D nanocomposite comprised of amorphous ruthenium sulfide nanoparticles (RuS2 NPs), reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared by the facile hydrothermal method and explored as a counter electrode (CE) in DSSCs. The RuS2 NPs uniformly decorated on the surfaces of the RGO/MWCNTs to form the RuS2/RGO/MWCNTs composite, which adequately inhibited aggregation of the RuS2 NPs to fully exploit its impressive electrochemical activity. Benefiting from the unexceptionable catalytic activity of RuS2 NPs in the RuS2/RGO/MWCNTs as well as superior electronic transmission channels provided by the conductive RGO/MWCNTs network, the designed DSSC with RuS2/RGO/MWCNTs exhibited a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.24 % exceeding that of Pt CE (PCE: 9.53 %). Consequently, this research opens a new avenue to fabricate advanced cathode catalysts based on metallic sulfides and carbon-based materials with excellent performance for their potential application in next-generation energy storage and conversion devices such as DSSCs, water splitting, and other electrochemical applications.

High performance PANI-PSSNa doped counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

High performance PANI-PSSNa doped counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Hydrophobic carbon/Whitlockite derived from expired yogurt as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)

Hydrophobic carbon/Whitlockite derived from expired yogurt as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)

Hydrothermal production of low-cost CeNi2S4-reduced graphene oxide composites as an efficient counter electrode for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) technology could become a low-cost solution for solar energy harvesting if the use of expensive dyes and Pt can be avoided. This work reports the development of a novel nanohybrid based on CeNi2S4 nanotubes embedded on sheets of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), which can serve as excellent counter electrode for DSSC showing great promise to replace Pt. The structural and morphological characterization of the nanocomposite synthesized using a simple one step hydrothermal method revealed well defined crystalline nanotubes of CeNi2S4 (with length 190 nm and diameter 8.54 nm) uniformly embedded on the surfaces of the RGO sheets (∼2.65 μm in size). The morphology and size of the nanotubes were found to be dependent on the duration of the hydrothermal reaction. The optimized CeNi2S4/RGO nanohybrid CE when used as counter electrode in DSSC, photo conversion efficiency as high as 9.21 ± 0.03 % was recorded, a value almost equal to that obtained from the DSSC fabricated with Pt as counter electrode and much higher than that with bare CeNi2S4 justifying its potential use in Pt-free DSSC. The improved performance of the electrode have been attributed to the hierarchical nanohybrid structure consisting of catalytically active 1D CeNi2S4 nanotubes embedded on electrically conducting 2D RGO sheets that provides fast ion diffusion pathways, large accessible surface area and good chemical and thermal stability.

Tin selenide/carbon black nanocomposite-based high efficiency counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

Here, we propose a CE that is based on the composite of low-cost carbon black and tin selenide materials. Also, TiO2 is used as photoanode in the structure of the solar cell. The physic-chemical properties of the CEs are analyzed by XRD, TEM, Raman, BET and EDS. CV and EIS analyzes were carried out to test the electrocatalytic and charge transport properties. The DSSC with SnSe/CB-200 CE electrode exhibited with PCE of 8.17 ± 0.02% with open-circuit voltage of 0.797 ± 0.03 V and short circuit current density of 19.78 ± 0.02 mA/cm2 whereas the DSSC with platinum counter electrode showed PCE of 5.81 ± 0.03%.

Influence of thickness and morphology of MoS2 on the performance of counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Non-platinum electrodes for photoelectric devices are challenging and attractive to the scientific community. A thin film of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was prepared on substrates coated with fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) to substitute the platinum counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, we synthesized layered and honeycomb-like MoS2 thin films via the cyclic voltammetry (CV) route. Thickness and morphology of the MoS2 thin films were controlled via the concentration of precursor solution. The obtained results showed that MoS2 thin films formed at a low precursor concentration had a layered morphology while a honeycomb-like MoS2 thin film was formed at a high precursor concentration. Both types of MoS2 thin film were composed of 1T and 2H structures and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the I3–/I− redox couple. DSSCs assembled using these MoS2 CEs showed a maximal power conversion efficiency of 7.33%. The short-circuit value reached 16.3 mA·cm−2, which was higher than that of a conventional Pt/FTO CE (15.3 mA·cm−2). This work reports for the first time the possibility to obtain a honeycomb-like MoS2 thin film morphology by the CV method and investigates the effect of film structure on the electrocatalytic activity and photovoltaic performance of CEs for DSSC application.

α-Fe2O3/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites as Cost-Effective Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The counter electrode (CE) is an important and vital part of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Pt CEs show high-performance in DSSCs using iodide-based electrolytes. However, the high cost of Pt CEs restricts their large-scale application in DSSCs and the development of Pt-free CE is expected. Here, α-Fe2O3/reduced graphene oxide (α-Fe2O3/RGO) composites are prepared as the Pt-free CE materials for DSSCs. A simple hydrothermal technique was used to disseminate the α-Fe2O3 solid nanoparticles uniformly throughout the RGO surface. The presence of the α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles increases the specific surface area of RGO and allows the composites to be porous, which improves the diffusion of liquid electrolyte into the CE material. Then, the electrocatalytic properties of CEs with α-Fe2O3/RGO, α-Fe2O3, RGO, and Pt materials are compared. The α-Fe2O3/RGO CE has a similar electrocatalytic performance to Pt CE, which is superior to those of the pure α-Fe2O3 and RGO CEs. After being fabricated as DSSCs, the current–voltage measurements reveal that the DSSC based on α-Fe2O3/RGO CE has a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.12%, which is 88% that of Pt CE and much higher than that of pure α-Fe2O3 and pure RGO CEs. All the results show that this work describes a promising material for cost-effective, Pt-free CEs for DSSCs.

Catalytic activity enhancement of Cu2ZnSnS4 due to composite of Co9S8 as counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Catalytic activity enhancement of Cu2ZnSnS4 due to composite of Co9S8 as counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Designing of high‐performance dye‐sensitized solar cells by using a new electrolyte based on deep eutectic solvents

The present research is aimed to develop an efficient electrolyte based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this regard, the performance of the propylene carbonate (PC) and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) based DES (PC/TBAI-DES) as a new electrolyte solvent for DSSCs is evaluated for the first time. Herein, the effects of various electrolyte components, namely the amount of acetonitrile (AN), iodine, and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide (EmimI), are investigated. The optimal conditions are achieved with an electrolyte composition of 0.1 M of iodine and EmimI in a binary mixture of PC/TBAI-DES and AN (volume ratio 80:20). The DSSCs based on this electrolyte attained a significant conversion efficiency of 10.04% (Jsc = 21.94 mA cm2, Voc = 0.78 V, and FF = 0.58) under 1 sun (AM 1.5) illumination. Moreover, a detailed view of the molecular arrangement of PC/TBAI-DES solution near the titanium dioxide and platinum solid surfaces as electrodes of DSSCs is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Besides, the interaction parameters between TBAI ion pair and PC molecule are determined through density functional theory.

Design of hierarchical MoSe2-NiSe2 nanotubes anchored on carbon nanotubes as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

BackgroundThe high cost, shortage, and instability of platinum (Pt) markedly hamper its commercialization in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Consequently, developing efficient, stable, and economic electrode materials in lieu of noble Pt is of great current priority for DSSCs. MethodsIn this work, a facile hydrothermal method followed by an ultrasonication process was utilized to synthesize the hollow MoSe2NiSe2 nanotubes anchored on carbon nanotubes (denotes as MS-NS NTs@CNTs) and was developed as an efficient counter electrode (CE) in DSSCs. The resultant of MS-NS NTs@CNTs was characterized using XRD, FESEM, EDX, TEM, and N2 adsorption-desorption. Significant findingsThe combination of MS-NS NTs and CNTs provides more active sites, remarkable electric conductivity for rapid charge transfer, and an admirable catalytic property toward the reduction of triiodide. The DSSC with MS-NS NTs@CNTs achieves a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.57% and exceptional electrochemical durability with a remnant PCE of 8.69% after 72 h of illumination, better than Pt-based cell (PCE: 9.02%). These outcomes open a new avenue to fabricate low-cost electrocatalysts for their potential application in next-generation energy storage and conversion devices such as DSSCs, water splitting, fuel cells, and other electrochemical applications.

CoSe2@N-Doped Graphene Nanocomposite High-Efficiency Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In present study, CoSe2, and CoSe2@N-doped graphene nanocomposite has been prepared in an inert atmosphere and used as a DSSC counter electrode. The fabricated nanocomposite was characterized using analytical techniques including FTIR, TGA, XRD, Raman, XPS, and BET. The assembled DSSC obtains a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.65%, which is higher than the PCE (7.19%) of the Pt electrode assembly cell under the same conditions. The promising performance of the fabricated counter electrodes may be due to the excellent surface area of the nanocomposites, the doping of heteroatoms which provide the active sites to boost the catalytic activities towards I3− reduction. These results illustrate the rational design of CoSe2@N-doped graphene nanocomposite and has great potential for replacing noble Pt for the reduction of I3– in DSSCs.

Sulfonated polyaniline synthesis via moistureproof sulfonation of emeraldine salt polyaniline for graphite-based composite counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells

ABSTRACT We demonstrated a room-temperature synthesis of nontoxic polar-solvent-soluble sulfonated polyaniline (SPAN). Polyaniline emeraldine salt (PANI ES) was used as starting material for a simple moistureproof sulfonation in producing SPAN. The optimum condition was obtained at a ClSO3H concentration of 30% in sulfuric acid for 72 h of sulfonation. FTIR and Raman spectra revealed that the sulfonic group (-SO3H) is covalently bonded to the PANI ES chain. Electrical conductivity measurement of SPAN provides the conductivity value within the semiconductor range. The obtained power conversion efficiency is twice higher than a graphite-based counter electrode due to the good electrocatalytic activity of SPAN.

MWCNT Aided Cobalt Antimony Sulfide Electrocatalyst for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells and Supercapacitors: Designing Integrated Photo-Powered Energy System

The objective of this study is to demonstrate low-cost Pt-free Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and an electrode for supercapacitor. Cobalt Antimony Sulfide (CoSbS) and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes supported CoSbS (CoSbS/MWCNT) composites are synthesized by a simple hydrothermal technique and are used as an electrocatalyst for the reduction of tri-iodide to iodide (). The crystalline structure, morphology, and quantum states of the synthesized samples are analyzed. In a series of electrochemical studies, the CoSbS/MWCNT demonstrated superior electroconductivity and electrocatalytic activity over pristine CoSbS. Notably, the Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) is reached 6.0% with the CoSbS/MWCNT counter electrode, outpacing the corresponding CoSbS (4.4%) and Co9S8 (1.8%). It is also an effective material for supercapacitors. Moreover, CoSbS/MWCNT has the maximum specific capacity of 382 C g−1 with 3 A g−1 with the acceptable capacitance retention of around 82% over 1000 charge-discharge cycles and excellent rate capability (∼143 C g−1 at 3 A g−1). Through these findings, it can be discovered that CoSbS/MWCNT is not only a feasible substitute for the standard Pt counter electrode in DSSCs but also has the capacity to store energy. The excellent conversion and storage performance highlight the potential of CoSbS/MWCNT for a photo-powered energy system.

Preparation of ZnO/NiO-loaded flexible cellulose nanofiber film electrodes and their application to dye-sensitized solar cells

Since flexible solar cells are demanded portable purposes, materials are requested to be light and soft. Hence the present work focused on the preparation of metal oxide-based flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using sustainable, eco-friendly TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF) films as substrates and their performances were compared. When nanorod (NR), nanowire (NW), and nanoparticle (NP) of ZnO or NiO as photovoltaic materials and carbon dot (Cdot) and N719 dye as photosensitizers were used, the coating of ZnONP (50 wt%) incorporated Cdot on ZnONW/Cdot/TOCNF substrate revealed the better photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) (1.34%) and the lower charge transfer resistance property. A NiONP/Cdot-coated NiONW/TOCNF electrode also achieved a good PCE, but the hydrophobic treatment of TOCNF improved the efficiency to be 1.45%. Although the flexible working electrodes for DSSCs were successfully manufactured from a biodegradable and sustainable TOCNF, more effort is still required at least to achieve the performance (4.43%) of conventional non-biodegradable polyethylene terephthalate substrate.

Integrated photoelectrochromic supercapacitor for applications in energy storage and smart windows

While electrochromic devices have been proposed and developed specially for multifunctional smart windows, they still need to be charged by an external power source, which increases complicated installation costs and energy consumption. In spite of efforts dedicated to develop monomer device that combines electrochromic and optoelectronic functions to address aforementioned issue, the practical application is still limited by complication in device structure, expensive cost, and unsatisfied device performance. The current work provides a facile and feasible strategy to fabricate the monomer photovoltaic electrochromic supercapacitors device by integrating dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and electrochromic supercapacitors (ESC) based on the WS2-WO3 counter electrode of DSSC and WO3 electrodes of ESC. As a proof-of-concept presented here, in a typical single device, the ESC achieved an area specific capacitance of 69.9 mF cm−2 and 91.89% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles. In addition, the device exhibited a fast coloring/discoloring response in 30 s. The multifunctional smart window not only can be used as typical electrochromic window, but also can be used as energy storage device simultaneously, providing promise for a wide range of applications in buildings, airplanes, automobiles, etc.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles as counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell

Dye-sensitized solar cells are an impending new technology for addressing energy and environmental issues. Counter electrodes based on ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles are made by drop casting onto ITO glass to address the high cost of the preferred platinum counter electrode. These counter electrodes are employed in dye-sensitized solar cell applications. This work investigates the ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles synthesized by using the sol-gel method. In order to better understand the morphological, optical, and structural features of the produced nanoparticles, a variety of characterization methods were used in this work. The prepared sample was subjected to calcination/annealing at 100 °C, 300 °C and 500 °C; and the UV–Vis spectroscopy results revealed that the sample calcinated at 100 °C demonstrates better absorption as compared to others. Two samples of ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles i.e., as-synthesized (sample A) and the one annealed at 100 °C (sample B), were investigated as counter electrode in methyl orange-based dye-sensitized solar cell. Moreover, the results were compared to the conventional platinum counter electrode. When sample B of binary nanoparticles-based counter electrode was compared to sample A, it was seen that sample B exhibits much higher electrocatalytic activity toward I3− reduction. A power conversion efficiency of 5.73% is accomplished by the dye-sensitized solar cell utilizing sample B counter electrode, which is significantly greater than the 4.55% and 4.51% achieved by the sample A and platinum counter electrodes, respectively. The findings suggest that using the drop casting approach to manufacture durable counter electrodes based on ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles is a potential option for constructing dye-sensitized solar cells.

Synthesis of rGO-CoMoS composite using hydrothermal method as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC)

Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) technology is a good choice to convert sun energy into electrical energy, because of its low cost fabrication. One of the main components of the DSSC is the counter electrode, which is generally Pt based, while Pt is expensive and rare material, so replacement for Pt is needed. The rGO-CoMoS composite is a potential one. rGO was prepared from graphite which was oxidized by the hummer method. rGO-CoMoS was synthesized from GO, Cobalt, Molybdenum, and thiourea using a hydrothermal reaction at 200 oC, with various reaction times for 12, 24, and 36 hours. Time variation is done because the reaction time affects the character of the composite formed. The results of the synthesis were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to prove that the synthesis was successful. Then the composite was coated on FTO glass to become a counter electrode, and sandwich fabricated with the arrangement of FTO/TiO2-N3-I−/I3 −-rGO-CoMoS/FTO. Then tested the current and voltage with Keithley to determine its efficiency as a DSSC. And the material that produces the best efficiency is rGO-CoMoS 36 with efficiency 0.00413%.

N-doped W2C derived from polyoxotungstate precursors by pyrolysis along the temperature gradient as Pt-free counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells

The counter electrodes (CEs) as the basic components of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) mainly use Pt-based catalysts. It is still an urgent need to decrease the assembled cost of DSSCs by designing high-performance and low-cost Pt-free materials to replace the scarce and expensive Pt as CEs catalyst. How particularly striking are that specific precursors were prepared by ball-grinding with polyoxotungstate (H 3 PW 12 O 40 ) as metal source and melamine (C 3 N 3 (NH 2 ) 3 ) as carbon source and nitrogen source, and then the pyrolysis process of precursors were dynamically controlled along the temperature gradient to make the auxiliary groups leave, so as to obtain the expected N-doped W 2 C catalytic materials. Herein, four kinds of N-doped W 2 C materials have derived from polyoxotungstate precursors at the pyrolysis temperatures of 700, 800, 900 and 1000 °C, and further applied to assemble CEs catalysts in DSSCs. The high power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 6.10, 7.01, 5.95 and 5.34% were obtained for the regeneration of traditional iodide/triiodide (I 3 − /I − ), respectively. The enhanced performance of N-doped W 2 C materials can be attributed to the larger number of catalytic active sites, which was due to the higher specific surface area provided by pyrolysis and carbonization of organic complex precursor, and the activation and modification of materials by the N-doped and the high temperature. • N-Doped W 2 C derived from the pyrolyzed precursors of H 3 PW 12 O 40 with C 3 N 3 (NH 2 ) 3 . • There is the highest PCE of 7.01% of N-Doped W 2 C (obtained at 800 °C) as CEs in DSSC. •N-Doped W 2 C materials are a prospective alternative of Pt-free CEs in DSSCs.

Thin layer of nano nomposite RGO COMOS as a counter electrode on Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

This research aims to synthesis of GO using the Hummer method and the effect of adding CoS(Cobalt Sulfide) and CoMoS(Cobalt Molybdenum Sulfide) Nano composites to RGO as a counter electrode of DSSC. RGO doped CoMoS and RGO doped CoMoS was synthesis using solvothermal method by adding nanocomposite CoS and CoMoS to GO by heating 200˚C. RGO CoMoS powder was formed into a paste by stirring and adding a polymer binder. The paste was deposited onto the FTO glass substrate by the slip casting method so that a thin sheet was obtained on the substrate and applied as a counter electrode on the DSSC. This composite will be measured and tested for the morphology of its layer using SEM and tested for electrical properties with Keithley I-V meter. The additional of CoS and CoMoS may cause the changes crystal size of RGO. RGO CoMoS has higher efficiency than GO and RGO. Thin film of RGO CoMoS can be used of counter electrode DSSC that has Voc= 0,39volt, fill factor (FF) 34,32% and η= 1,54%.

Electrochemically stable, cost-effective and facile produced selenium@activated carbon composite counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), as third generation photovoltaic technology, have been extensively investigated due to their numerous advantages, such as inexpensive and simple/fast preparation methods. As known, DSSCs are composed of different components. Counter electrode, which is one of the components, is an indispensable part of high-performance DSSCs. Designing new counter electrodes (CEs) with low cost and desired physical and electrochemical properties are important to achieve higher performance/stable DSSCs. In this sense, in this current report, new selenium@activated carbon (Se@AC) composites as alternative to expensive platinum (Pt) were produced by cost-effective and facile applied ball milling method, and used as CE in the DSSC architecture. Here, firstly, porous activated carbon (AC) was prepared from fruit peel wastes via chemical activation technique. Then the Se was incorporated into the structure of porous AC with different ratios to improve different physical and electrochemical properties of pristine AC. After Se incorporation strategy, the electro-catalytic activity and charge transfer parameters (RCT value decreased from 27.41 to 12.09 Ω cm2) of Se@AC composite CEs were significantly enhanced. The fabricated DSSC with a CE using Se@AC:3@5 showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 5.67% with current density (Jsc) of 13.26 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 648 mV and fill factor (FF) of 66%, which can acceptable close to the performance of the fabricated DSSC with the Pt-based CE (6.86%). The improvement electro-catalytic activity and charge transfer properties obtained with the low cost and facile production process could render the Se@AC composite CE standing out as an effective alternative to the precious/expensive Pt reference CE.