Tashenov Y, Suleimenova D, Baptayev B, Adilov S, Balanay MP. Efficient One-Step Synthesis of a Pt-Free Zn
0.76Co
0.24S Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells and Its Versatile Application in Photoelectrochromic Devices.
NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023;
13:2812. [PMID:
37887961 PMCID:
PMC10610264 DOI:
10.3390/nano13202812]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
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.
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