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Ke Y, Wang Z, Xie H, Khalifa MA, Zheng J, Xu C. Long-Term Stable Complementary Electrochromic Device Based on WO 3 Working Electrode and NiO-Pt Counter Electrode. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:601. [PMID: 37367805 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13060601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Complementary electrochromic devices (ECDs) composed of WO3 and NiO electrodes have wide applications in smart windows. However, they have poor cycling stability due to ion-trapping and charge mismatch between electrodes, which limits their practical application. In this work, we introduce a partially covered counter electrode (CE) composed of NiO and Pt to achieve good stability and overcome the charge mismatch based on our structure of electrochromic electrode/Redox/catalytic counter electrode (ECM/Redox/CCE). The device is assembled using a NiO-Pt counter electrode with WO3 as the working electrode, and PC/LiClO4 containing a tetramethylthiourea/tetramethylformaminium disulfide (TMTU/TMFDS2+) redox couple as the electrolyte. The partially covered NiO-Pt CE-based ECD exhibits excellent EC performance, including a large optical modulation of 68.2% at 603 nm, rapid switching times of 5.3 s (coloring) and 12.8 s (bleaching), and a high coloration efficiency of 89.6 cm2·C-1. In addition, the ECD achieves a good stability of 10,000 cycles, which is promising for practical application. These findings suggest that the structure of ECC/Redox/CCE could overcome the charge mismatch problem. Moreover, Pt could enhance the Redox couple's electrochemical activity for achieving high stability. This research provides a promising approach for the design of long-term stable complementary electrochromic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Ke
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zitao Wang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Haiyi Xie
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Mahmoud A Khalifa
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics at Extreme Conditions, High Magnetic Field Laboratory, The Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Jianming Zheng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Chunye Xu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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2
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Gunasekaran A, Chen H, Ponnusamy VK, Aljafari B, Sambandam A. Preparation of poly (ε‐caprolactone) as a gel electrolyte for
dye‐sensitized
solar cells. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.5710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahalya Gunasekaran
- Nanomaterials and Solar Energy Conversion Lab, Department of Chemistry National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli India
| | - Hsuan‐Ying Chen
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry Kaohsiung Medical University Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Vinoth Kumar Ponnusamy
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry Kaohsiung Medical University Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Belqasem Aljafari
- Department of Electrical Engineering College of Engineering, Najran University Najran Saudi Arabia
| | - Anandan Sambandam
- Nanomaterials and Solar Energy Conversion Lab, Department of Chemistry National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli India
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3
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Mposa E, Sithole RK, Ndala Z, Ngubeni GN, Mubiayi KP, Shumbula PM, Machogo-Phao LFE, Moloto N. Novel 2D-AuSe nanostructures as effective platinum replacement counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells. RSC Adv 2022; 12:12882-12890. [PMID: 35496337 PMCID: PMC9049006 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00568a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) include, but are not limited to, finding alternatives such as 2D layered materials as replacement counter electrodes (CEs) to the commonly used Pt. Herein, we report for the first time, the use of AuSe as a counter electrode for the reduction of triiodide ions (I3−) to iodide ions (I−). The colloidal synthesis of gold selenide nanostructures produced α-AuSe and β-AuSe dominated products as determined by XRD. Electron microscopy showed α-AuSe having belt-like structures while β-AuSe had a plate-like morphology. EDS mapping confirmed the elemental composition and homogeneity of the AuSe CEs. Cyclic voltammetry curves of the AuSe CEs displayed the double set of reduction–oxidation peaks associated with the reactions in the I3−/I− electrolyte and therefore were comparable to the Pt CV curve. The α-AuSe CE showed better electrocatalytic activity with a reduction current of 6.1 mA than that of β-AuSe and Pt CEs, which were 4.2 mA and 4.8 mA, respectively. The peak-to-peak separation (ΔEpp) for the α-AuSe CE was also more favourable with a value of 532 mV over that of the β-AuSe CE of 739 mV however, both values were larger than that of the Pt CE, which was found to be 468 mV. The EIS and Tafel plot data showed that α-AuSe had the best catalytic activity compared to β-AuSe and was comparable to Pt. The DSSC using α-AuSe as a CE had the highest PCE (6.94%) as compared to Pt (4.89%) and β-AuSe (3.47%). The lower efficiency for Pt was attributed to the poorer fill factor. With these novel results, α-AuSe is an excellent candidate to be used as an alternative CE to Pt in DSSCs. Studies to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) include, but are not limited to, finding alternatives such as 2D layered materials as replacement counter electrodes (CEs) to the commonly used Pt.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmie Mposa
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa +27 11 709 4111 +27 11 717 6774
| | - Rudo K Sithole
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa +27 11 709 4111 +27 11 717 6774
| | - Zakhele Ndala
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa +27 11 709 4111 +27 11 717 6774
| | - Grace N Ngubeni
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa +27 11 709 4111 +27 11 717 6774
| | - Kalenga P Mubiayi
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa +27 11 709 4111 +27 11 717 6774
| | - Poslet M Shumbula
- Department of Chemistry, University of Limpopo Private Bag X1106 Sovenga 0727 South Africa
| | - Lerato F E Machogo-Phao
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa +27 11 709 4111 +27 11 717 6774.,Analytical Services Division, Mintek 200 Malibongwe Drive Randburg South Africa
| | - Nosipho Moloto
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa +27 11 709 4111 +27 11 717 6774
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4
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Zhou L, Ren HL, Yang CQ, Wu YX, Jin BB. ATO/CuS composite counter electrodes enhanced the photovoltaic performance of quantum dot sensitized solar cells. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2022.109273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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5
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Bellani S, Bartolotta A, Agresti A, Calogero G, Grancini G, Di Carlo A, Kymakis E, Bonaccorso F. Solution-processed two-dimensional materials for next-generation photovoltaics. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:11870-11965. [PMID: 34494631 PMCID: PMC8559907 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00106j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the ever-increasing energy demand scenario, the development of novel photovoltaic (PV) technologies is considered to be one of the key solutions to fulfil the energy request. In this context, graphene and related two-dimensional (2D) materials (GRMs), including nonlayered 2D materials and 2D perovskites, as well as their hybrid systems, are emerging as promising candidates to drive innovation in PV technologies. The mechanical, thermal, and optoelectronic properties of GRMs can be exploited in different active components of solar cells to design next-generation devices. These components include front (transparent) and back conductive electrodes, charge transporting layers, and interconnecting/recombination layers, as well as photoactive layers. The production and processing of GRMs in the liquid phase, coupled with the ability to "on-demand" tune their optoelectronic properties exploiting wet-chemical functionalization, enable their effective integration in advanced PV devices through scalable, reliable, and inexpensive printing/coating processes. Herein, we review the progresses in the use of solution-processed 2D materials in organic solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, and organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells, as well as in tandem systems. We first provide a brief introduction on the properties of 2D materials and their production methods by solution-processing routes. Then, we discuss the functionality of 2D materials for electrodes, photoactive layer components/additives, charge transporting layers, and interconnecting layers through figures of merit, which allow the performance of solar cells to be determined and compared with the state-of-the-art values. We finally outline the roadmap for the further exploitation of solution-processed 2D materials to boost the performance of PV devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Bellani
- BeDimensional S.p.A., Via Lungotorrente Secca 30R, 16163 Genova, Italy.
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Graphene Labs, via Moreogo 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonino Bartolotta
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Via F. Stagno D'alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Agresti
- CHOSE - Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calogero
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Via F. Stagno D'alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Grancini
- University of Pavia and INSTM, Via Taramelli 16, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Carlo
- CHOSE - Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
- L.A.S.E. - Laboratory for Advanced Solar Energy, National University of Science and Technology "MISiS", 119049 Leninskiy Prosect 6, Moscow, Russia
| | - Emmanuel Kymakis
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos 71410 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Francesco Bonaccorso
- BeDimensional S.p.A., Via Lungotorrente Secca 30R, 16163 Genova, Italy.
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Graphene Labs, via Moreogo 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
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6
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Molybdenum disulfide/reduced graphene oxide: Progress in synthesis and electro-catalytic properties for electrochemical sensing and dye sensitized solar cells. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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7
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Abstract
We developed cobalt and carbon complex materials as counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to replace conventional platinum (Pt) CEs. Co12 and Co15, both of which are basic cobalt derivatives, showed good redox potential with a suitable open-circuit voltage (VOC); however, their poor electrical conductivity engendered a low short-circuit current (JSC) and fill factor (FF). Mixing them with carbon black (CB) improved the electrical conductivity of the CE; in particular, JSC and FF were considerably improved. Further improvement was achieved by combining cobalt derivatives and CB through thermal sintering to produce a novel CoCB material as a CE. CoCB had good electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic capability, and this further enhanced both JSC and VOC. The optimized device exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.44%, which was higher than the value of 7.16% for a device with a conventional Pt CE. The conductivity of CoCB could be further increased by mixing it with PEDOT:PSS, a conducting polymer. The device’s JSC increased to 18.65 mA/cm2, which was considerably higher than the value of 14.24 mA/cm2 for the device with Pt CEs. The results demonstrate the potential of the cobalt and carbon complex as a CE for DSSCs.
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8
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Covalently functionalized graphene oxide with cobalt–nitrogen-enriched complex containing iodide ligand as charge carrier nanofiller for eco-friendly high performance ionic liquid-based dye-sensitized solar cell. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.115198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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9
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Subbiah V, Landi G, Wu JJ, Anandan S, Ashokkumar M. Platinum-free dye-sensitized solar cells by flower-like mixed-phase Co xS y/Ni xS y/Mo xS y composites. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj05512c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Fabricated DSSCs using CoxSy/NixSy/MoxSy composites as counter electrodes showed an enhanced photoconversion efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Subbiah
- Nanomaterials and Solar Energy Conversion Lab
- Department of Chemistry
- National Institute of Technology
- Tiruchirappalli-620015
- India
| | | | - Jerry J. Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science
- Feng Chia University
- Taichung 407
- Taiwan
| | - Sambandam Anandan
- Nanomaterials and Solar Energy Conversion Lab
- Department of Chemistry
- National Institute of Technology
- Tiruchirappalli-620015
- India
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10
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Zhang L, Chen W, Wang T, Li Y, Ma C, Zheng Y, Gong J. Polyoxometalate modified transparent metal selenide counter electrodes for high-efficiency bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells. Inorg Chem Front 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1qi00447f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We present a facile one-step hydrothermal approach for the growth of PW11Co/Co0.85Se on a conductive glass substrate, which could be used as transparent CE in bifacial DSSCs with enhanced front and back efficiencies of 7.56% and 5.82%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Northeast Normal University
- Changchun
- China
| | - Weichao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Northeast Normal University
- Changchun
- China
| | - Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Northeast Normal University
- Changchun
- China
| | - Yunjiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Northeast Normal University
- Changchun
- China
| | - Chunhui Ma
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Northeast Normal University
- Changchun
- China
| | - Yuxiao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Northeast Normal University
- Changchun
- China
| | - Jian Gong
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education
- Department of Chemistry
- Northeast Normal University
- Changchun
- China
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11
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Mohammadpour E, Asadpour-Zeynali K. α-Fe2O3@MoS2 nanostructure as an efficient electrochemical catalyst for water oxidation. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.104939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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Investigating Various Permutations of Copper Iodide/FeCu Tandem Materials as Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with a Natural Dye. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10040784. [PMID: 32325901 PMCID: PMC7221774 DOI: 10.3390/nano10040784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This work presents the synthesis and deposition of CuI and FeCu materials on copper substrates for dye-sensitized solar cell applications. FeCu is a metastable alloy of iron and copper powders and possesses good optical and intrinsic magnetic properties. Coupled with copper iodide as tandem layers, the deposition of these two materials was permutated over a pure copper substrate, characterized and then tested within a solar cell. The cell was sensitized with a natural dye extracted from a local desert plant (Calotropis gigantea) and operated with an iodine/triiodide electrolyte. The results show that the best layer arrangement was Cu/FeCu/CuI, which gave an efficiency of around 0.763% (compared to 0.196% from reported cells in the literature using a natural sensitizer).
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14
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Subbiah V, Landi G, Wu JJ, Anandan S. MoS 2 coated CoS 2 nanocomposites as counter electrodes in Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:25474-25483. [PMID: 31714567 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp04592a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Expensive Pt counter electrodes remain an obstacle for the commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Therefore, research focusing on low-cost alternative counter electrode materials has been considered important for their commercialization. Here, the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells has been performed utilizing CoS2 and MoS2 coated CoS2 nanocomposite materials as the counter electrode, which are synthesized via a hydrothermal route involving low-cost precursor materials. The experimental results obtained from XRD, XPS, EDX, SEM, TEM, and Raman etc. have confirmed the successful formation of CoS2 and MoS2 coated CoS2 nanocomposites. The electrochemical characterization of these materials is performed, which suggests that the electrocatalytic activity towards the liquid iodine electrolyte of these materials is as good as that of the conventional Pt counter electrodes. So, dye-sensitized solar cell devices are fabricated by interpolating a (cis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylato)ruthenium(ii)) dye-loaded TiO2 photoanode and CoS2, MoS2 coated CoS2 and Pt counter electrodes using iodine/iodide as a liquid electrolyte. The devices fabricated with CoS2 counter electrodes have shown an open circuit voltage of 790 mV, a short circuit current of 11.9 mA cm-2, a fill factor of 0.54, and a power conversion efficiency of 6%. On the other hand, the device based on a Pt counter electrode has shown an open circuit voltage of 773 mV, a short circuit current of 13.4 mA cm-2, a fill factor of 0.54, and a power conversion efficiency of 6.6%. In addition, MoS2 coated with a CoS2 counter electrode has shown the best performance with an open circuit voltage of 763 mV, a short circuit current of 20.1 mA cm-2, a fill factor of 0.42, and a power conversion efficiency of 7.6%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Subbiah
- Nanomaterials & Solar Energy Conversion Lab, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620015, India.
| | - Giovanni Landi
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) - CNR, P.le E. Fermi 1, Portici, Naples, Italy and ENEA, Casaccia Research Centre, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Jerry J Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung 407, Taiwan
| | - Sambandam Anandan
- Nanomaterials & Solar Energy Conversion Lab, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620015, India.
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15
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Molybdenum disulfide/reduced graphene oxide hybrids with enhanced electrocatalytic activity: An efficient counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2019.113236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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16
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Metal Sulphides and Their Carbon Supported Composites as Platinum-Free Counter Electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: A Review. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12121980. [PMID: 31226735 PMCID: PMC6630930 DOI: 10.3390/ma12121980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Energy sufficiency is a critical requirement for the economic prosperity of modern countries. Efficient harnessing of solar energy using technologies such as the dye-sensitized solar cell could solve the energy problem which persistently plagues developing countries. Despite having a simple operational procedure and modest power conversion efficiency of 13.8%, the dye-sensitized solar cell consists of an expensive platinum counter electrode which makes commercial success futile. Thus, this review intends to establish the progress researchers have attained in the development of sulphide based counter electrodes as alternatives to platinum, thereby lowering cost of production. Metallic sulphides are good electrocatalysts and cheap, hence, they possess the necessary requirements for effective functional counter electrodes. Furthermore, ternary metallic sulphides are known to exhibit higher efficiencies stemming from the synergistic effect produced by the co-existence of two metal ions in a crystal structure, which is believed to induce greater catalytic capability. Incorporation of metallic sulphides with carbon materials, which are exceptional electrical conductors, could potentially produce more efficient counter electrodes. In that regard, this review seeks to establish the effect recently developed composite counter electrodes comprising metallic sulphides and carbon-based materials have induced on the functionality of the counter electrode (CE).
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