Low-cost Counter Electrode Research Articles

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped porous carbon obtained from direct carbonization of a renewable biomass for counter electrode of efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

It is highly necessary to fabricate cost-effective counter electrode for promoting the development and practical deployment of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped porous carbon (NSPC) is prepared through directly carbonizing a renewable biomass, Eupatorium fortunei Turcz., and used as an alternative to expensive Pt to fabricate low-cost counter electrode for high-performance DSSCs. Scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption analyses demonstrate that the obtained carbon sample displays a hierarchical pore structure containing macropore channels and well-developed mesopores formed on the wall of macropore channels. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements suggest that nitrogen and sulfur atoms are doped in the framework of as-prepared carbon sample. These favorable characteristics endow the obtained NSPC counter electrode with a superior electrocatalytic performance. Consequently, the assembled DSSC with NSPC counter electrode shows an efficiency of 8.25%, nearly matching the efficiency of the cell with conventional Pt counter electrode.

Constructions of NiCo2S4@rGO composite for use as a low-cost counter electrode material in dye-sensitised solar cells

Constructions of NiCo2S4@rGO composite for use as a low-cost counter electrode material in dye-sensitised solar cells

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.

Construction of Cu-doped α-MoO3 nanostructures and their application as counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells

The proposed work was to develop a low-cost counter electrode used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for the replacement of Ptelectrodes. Alpha Molybdenum oxide (α-MoO3) and copper-doped α-MoO3 (Cu-doped α-MoO3) were prepared by a hydrothermal technique. The physical properties and performance of DSSCs were investigated by varying Cu doping (0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% wt.) with α-MoO3. DSSC fabricated with Cu-doped α-MoO3 was found to be 2.87% (S3) efficiency, which was higher than that of undoped α-MoO3 (1.83%) and platinum (2.51%) as counter electrodes (CEs). The results clearly indicate that Cu-doped α-MoO3 can effectively replace expensive platinum CEs in a cost-efficient manner.

Hydrothermally grown MoS2-flowers as low cost counter electrode material for dye sensitized solar cell and electrode modifier for electrochemical sensing of 4-chlorophenol

In present scenario, energy crisis and environmental pollution are the two major concerns which need immediate attention. Design and fabrication of bi-functional materials to deal with the above concerns are the major challenges for scientific community. Herein, we reported the bi-functional properties of the hydrothermally synthesized molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-flowers to deal with energy and environmental issues related applications. MoS2-flowers were used as counter electrode material for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Fabricated DSSCs showed power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.7% and open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.76 V. Furthermore, MoS2-flowers was used as electrode modifier for the construction of 4-chlororhenol (4-CP). This modified MoS2-flowers based working electrode exhibited reasonable performance in terms of limit of detection and selectivity. A low detection limit of 0.39 µM with sensitivity of 11.47 µA/µMcm2 was achieved. MoS2-flowers demonstrated reasonable performance for DSSCs and 4-CP sensing applications.

Controlling the electrocatalytic activities of conducting polymer thin films toward suitability as cost-effective counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

Role dopant anions and solvents in electropolymerized conducting polymers (CPs) on controlling the morphology of thin films and electrocatalytic activities to judge their suitability as low-cost counter electrodes (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells ( DSSCs) was systematically investigated. Amongst various CPs such as polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPy), and PEDOT with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a dopant, PEDOT was found to exhibit the best photovoltaic performance with a photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.99 %. This was attributed to the best electrocatalytic activity due to the smallest ΔEp, most minor R1, and nano-morphology-assisted high surface area, as confirmed by CV, EIS, and FE-SEM investigations. Using PEDOT as CP, the nature of dopants such as SDS, TFSI, and ClO4 has also been found to control the electrocatalytic activities and the morphology of the fabricated thin films affecting overall photovoltaic performance DSSCs. Amongst the various CP-based CE fabricated using different dopants and solvents, PEDOT:TFSI thin films prepared in acetonitrile solvent and used as CE exhibited not only the best electrocatalytic activity as CE but also demonstrated the best photovoltaic performance with PCE of 7.0 %, which almost similar to that of DSSC utilizing Pt as CE with PCE of 7.1 %. Therefore, it was concluded that the nature of CP and dopant ions were vital factors in governing the electrocatalytic activities of the thin films to ensure their suitability as CE for optimal functioning and controlling the DSSC performance.

The low-cost g-C3N4/CuS electrode for QDSCs prepared with low-temperature solid-state method

The graphene-like carbon nitride (graphitic C3N4, g-C3N4) and CuS composite materials were prepared via a facile low-temperature solid-state method as the eco-friendly and low-cost counter electrodes (CEs) for quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). Compared with the former complex processing, low-temperature solid-state method is simple and easy towards mass production. Based on XRD, SEM, EDX and TEM results, it was confirmed that g-C3N4 constructed a transport network for electron transfer, while distributed CuS played a catalytic role to contact with polysulfide electrolyte in reduction reaction at CE/electrolyte interface. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Mott-Schottky and CyclicVoltammetry tests were performed for the electrochemical properties of composite counter electrodes with various C3N4/CuS ratio. The CE sample (CN/10CuS) with appropriate ratio possessed lower interface impedance, more catalytic active sites and better stability, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of QDSCs with CN/10CuS CEs reached 5.05% under one sun, which is comparable to g-C3N4/CuS CE prepared with other routes in the same conditions.

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Cost-Effective Counter Electrode Based on Soybean Oil Lampblack

We have used soybean oil lampblack as a low-cost counter electrode (CE) material to replace expensive platinum in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The lampblack was prepared by obstructing the flame of the soybean oil lamp with a porcelain bowl and characterized with the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy for structural analysis and scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology. The XRD of the lampblack indicated the presence of graphitic carbon in the lampblack while Raman spectroscopy of the carbonaceous material disclosed that the lampblack consists of both disordered and ordered forms of carbon. The lampblack was used with printer toner to prepare counter electrodes (CEs) of DSCs. The scanning electron microscopy of the film of the lampblack with toner showed that the toner serves as a binder to hold the particles of the lampblack on the CEs. The catalytic ability of the CEs was evaluated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The charge transfer resistance Rct at the toner-electrolyte interface determined by EIS was extremely high (5.32 x 105 Ωcm2 ). Similarly, Rct at the carbon-electrolyte interface and platinum-electrolyte interface were 13.46 Ωcm2 and 2.29 Ωcm2 , respectively. The DSCs based on soybean oil lampblack achieved the light to electric energy conversion efficiency (η) of 2.58% and the platinum based solar cell achieved η of 3.67%.

Hierarchical carbon nanofibers/carbon nanotubes/NiCo nanocomposites as novel highly effective counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells: A structure-electrocatalytic activity relationship study

Herein, we propose novel, highly effective Pt-free counter electrode (CE) material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) based on the hierarchical carbon nanofibers/carbon nanotubes/NiCo (eCNF/CNT/NiCoNP) ternary nanocomposites. The materials were obtained by combining the electrospinning technique and CCVD synthesis of carbon nanotubes directly on the surface of eCNF. By using various conditions of the CNT growth, it was possible to obtain series of nanocomposites differing with their morphology, surface chemistry, and structural ordering. The conducted studies unraveled significant correlations between the disordering of the nanocomposites, and their electrocatalytic activity towards reduction of I3−. The investigation methods included i.a. SEM, TEM, XPS, UPS, EDS, XRD, SAED, CV, EIS and J-V characterizations. The counter electrodes based on the nanocomposite synthetized at the lowest CCVD temperature of 700 °C exhibited remarkable catalytical activity as evidenced by very low charge transfer resistance of 0.93 Ω cm2. Based on the obtained data, we propose new, alternative interpretation of the additional minor arc appearing at the high-frequency region of EIS Nyquist spectra of carbon based-CE. The DSSC with eCNF/CNT/NiCoNP-electrodes were characterized by efficiencies up to 7.08% (avg. η = 6.95%), which was higher than for Pt-based devices (avg. η = 6.80%), thus demonstrating excellent performance of prepared CE. Our results confirm that the eCNF/CNT/NiCoNP nanocomposite material is a promising low-cost CE alternative for DSSC.

Charge transfer and catalytic properties of various PEDOTs as Pt-free counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Despite the high electrocatalytic activity of Pt and the fact it is a champion catalyst for the counter electrode (CE) of state-of-art dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), its high cost, rarity, and the concern about its possible deterioration by the iodine-based redox electrolyte, has compelled the search for suitable and low-cost catalysts for CEs. To circumvent this issue, efforts were directed to exploring the suitability of various types of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)(PEDOT)-based conducting polymers as the most suitable electrocatalysts for low-cost CEs. Amongst various types of PEDOT explored as CEs, micelle directed electropolymerized PEDOT:SDS (:sodium dodecyl sulfate) exhibited not only excellent catalytic activity (>Pt), as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and electrical impedance spectroscopy investigations, but also fairly good photovoltaic performance exhibiting photoconversion efficiency of 5.8%, which is only slightly lower than the performance shown by Pt-based CE for the DSSCs fabricated under similar experimental conditions. Further improvement for the PEDOT:SDS-based CE surpassing the Pt-based CE is envisioned by morphological control and making their suitable composites with carbon-based nanomaterials.

RGO Sheets/ZnFe2O4 Nanocomposities as an Efficient Electro Catalyst Material for I3−/I− Reaction for High Performance DSSCs

In this paper, Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)/ZnFe2O4 (rZnF) nanocomposite is synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and employed as a counter electrode (CE) material for tri-iodide redox reactions in Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) to replace the traditional high cost platinum (Pt) CE. X-ray diffraction analysis and High resolution Transmission electron microscopy, clearly indicated the formation of rZnF nanocomposite and also amorphous rGO sheets were smoothly distributed on the surface of ZnFe2O4 (ZnF) nanostructure. The rZnF-50 CE shows excellent electro catalytic activity toward I3− reduction, which has simultaneously been confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization measurements. A DSSC developed by rZnF-50 CE (η = 8.71%) obtained quite higher than the Pt (η = 8.53%) based CE under the same condition. The superior performances of rZnF-50 CE due to addition of graphene in to Spinel (ZnF) nanostructure results in creation of highly active electrochemical sites, fast electron transport linkage between CE and electrolyte. Thus it’s a promising low cost CE material for DSSCs.

Transition divalent metal substitution in chalcopyrite CuInSe2 (In = Co, Ni, and Mn) counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

The synthesis of low-cost and high electrochemical activity to regenerate electrolyte and to enhance the efficiency (counter electrodes (CE)) is of paramount importance for the DSSCs. To achieve the maximum power conversion efficiency of DSSCs with the low-cost counter electrode (CE), Cu– (In, Co, Ni, Mn)–Se2 has prepared by hydrothermal method. The structural and chemical composition of Cu– (In, Co, Ni, Mn)–Se2 was confirmed by XRD and XPS analysis. The charge transfer resistance of CuInSe2 (CIS), CuCoSe2 (CCS), CuNiSe2 (CNS), and CuMnSe2 (CMS) were 5.60, 11.50, 1.40, and 5.60 Ω (CNS < CIS < CMS < CCS), where CNS showed minimum charge transfer resistance, owing to the intrinsic electrochemical and electrical properties of Ni. The CNS (4.16 %) showed better photovoltaic efficiency which was 1.51 times higher than the CIS CE (2.65) based DSSCs.

Effect of polyaniline/FeS2 composite and usages of alternates counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) associated to the class of thin-film solar cells which have been under recent research work for more than two decades due to their low cost, simple preparation technology, low energy consumption, roll-to-roll manufacturing, eco-friendly, durable and light weight. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using TiO2 as the photo anode and the composite of PANI and FeS2 as a counter electrode. The effect of the contents on the DSSC performance was investigated by adjusting the ratios of PANI and FeS2. It was found that the optimized DSSC efficiency of 0.9 % to 2.02% was achieved. The structure, surface morphology, elemental composition and functional groups of the PANI and FeS2 composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR analysis. This article provides an in-depth discussion on fabrication of DSSC based on polyaniline/FeS2 composite as counter electrode, operating conditions, prospective efficient materials and FTIR characteristics. From the obtained results, the composites of PANI and FeS2 counter electrode is served as an efficient, low-cost counter electrode (CE) material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Hierarchical NiSe microspheres as high-efficiency counter electrode catalysts for triiodide reduction reaction

The monodispersed NiSe hierarchical microspheres (NiSe-112) were controllably synthesized by the facile solvothermal method and employed as the high-efficiency counter electrode (CE) electrocatalysts for the triiodide (I3−) reduction reaction (IRR). The obtained NiSe-112 combines the advantages of the well monodispersity, the inimitable 3D micro/nanostructure and loosened rough surface structure, which not only facilitated the permeation of the electrolyte containing I3−/I− redox couple, but also provided the substantial active sites for the IRR. As a result, NiSe-112 exhibited excellent catalytic activity for IRR accompanying with an impressive photoelectric conversion efficiency of 7.67 %, which is compared to that of the conventional Pt-based DSSCs (7.85 %). The relevant electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the obtained NiSe-112 possessed Pt-like catalytic activity, rapid electron transport capability and excellent electrochemical stability. Therefore, three-dimensional hierarchical structural NiSe microspheres have a great potential to replace the noble metal Pt, which is beneficial to promote the development of the low-cost CE catalysts for DSSCs.

NiCo2S4 nanotube arrays grown in situ on Ni foam as a low-cost counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

In recent researches of catalytic materials, ternary sulfides have shown excellent electrochemical performance. In this study, NiCo2S4 nanotube arrays were grown in situ on nickel foam by using a two-step hydrothermal method, and optimized the growth morphology of the nanotube arrays by adjusting the raw material concentration. The Ni foam is selected as a suitable conductive substrate, combining its excellent chemical properties and nanostructures, finally a NiCo2S4 nanotube/Ni foam with outstanding catalytic properties is formed. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with NiCo2S4 nanotubes/Ni foam counter electrode (CE) has reached 8.29%, which is exceeding that of Pt CE (7.48%), indicating that NiCo2S4 nanotubes/Ni foam CE has a bright development prospect.

Synthesis of Ternary Ni/Mo2C/Carbon Nanofibers as Low-cost Counter Electrode for Efficient Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

Synthesis of Ternary Ni/Mo2C/Carbon Nanofibers as Low-cost Counter Electrode for Efficient Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

Carbon Fibers Coated with Ternary Ni–Co–Se Alloy Particles as a Low-Cost Counter Electrode for Flexible Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Compared to flat devices based on rigid substrates, cable-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells hold advantages of smaller size, light weight, facile fabrication, flexibility, and low cost, thus a prom...

Investigating the Performance of Carbon Black/Tin Selenide Composite As the Counter Electrode in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

The counter electrode (CE) is an essential component of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Currently, platinum (Pt) is the most widely used CE in DSSCs but it is an expensive material and new lower cost materials are required to replace Pt. In this study, we prepare different carbon black/tin selenide composite CEs using a facile hydrothermal method and employ them in TiO2-based DSSCs. It is shown that the low-cost composite CEs demonstrate very promising electrocatalytic and charge transport properties, and a carbon black/SnSe CE with the weight ratio of 80% can achieve an open circuit voltage of 660 mV and short circuit current density of 12.4 mA/cm3 with a fill factor of 62% which gives an efficiency of 5% that is comparable to that of Pt DSSCs. The results of this paper are confirmed via XRD, FESEM, EDS, cyclic voltammetry, J-V measurement and IPCE analyses.

Effects of Activated Carbon Counter Electrode on Bifacial Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)

The losses of solar cells are consisted of electrical losses and optical losses. Optical losses chiefly reduce the short-circuit current. Here we apply bifacial cell approach to increase light absorption and the short-circuit current of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We have employed activated carbon (AC) as a very low cost counter electrode, an alternative to Pt counter electrode. Addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and titanium carbonitride (TiCN) to AC increase the efficiency of bifacial DSSC at a mirror angle of from 5.10% to and , respectively. These results indicate that AC has the potential to replace Pt as a very low cost counter electrode of bifacial DSSCs. The bifacial DSSC system using double plane mirrors improve PCE to for Pt counter electrode at a mirror angle of , and for AC counter electrode at a mirror angle of , respectively.

Synthesis of a petroleum asphalt-based nitrogen/sulfur doped porous carbon material and its use as the counter electrode of dye-sensitized solar cells

A nitrogen/sulfur-doped porous carbon material (NSPC) was synthesized using petroleum asphalt as both carbon and sulfur sources, and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a template and nitrogen source. Its use as the counter electrode (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was investigated. Results indicated that g-C3N4 was totally decomposed during carbonization, giving the NSPC abundant N dopants and nanopores. The NSPC had a high electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of I3- without any Pt catalyst and delivered a high power conversion efficiency of 7.91% as the CE of a DSSC, which is slightly superior to that of Pt CE. The NSPC had an ultrahigh pore volume (4.49 cm3/g) and excellent wettability, providing abundant accessible surface area and facilitated the fast mass transport of reactants. NSPC has potential as a low-cost and efficient CE material for the large-scale use of DSSCs, and provides a new way to add value to low-cost petroleum asphalt.