Economically viable V2O3@activated carbon composite materials as counter electrodes for dye sensitized solar cells by single step reduction

Composites of Vanadium (III) Oxide (V2O3) Incorporating with Amorphous C as Pt-Free Counter Electrodes for Low-Cost and High-Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

To replace precious Pt-based counter electrodes (CEs) with a low-cost Pt-free catalyst of CEs is still a motivating hotspot to decrease the fabrication cost of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, four different V2O3@C composite catalysts were synthesized by pyrolysis of a precursor under N2 flow at 1100 °C and further served as catalytic materials of CEs for the encapsulation of DSSCs. The precursors of V2O3@C composites have been prepared via a sol-gel method using different proportions of V2O5 with soluble starch in a H2O2 solution. Power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 3.59, 4.79, 5.15, and 5.06% were obtained from different V2O3@C composites, with soluble starch-to-V2O5 mass ratios (S/V) of 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, and 4:1, respectively, as CEs to reduce iodide/triiodide in DSSCs. The improvement of electrode performance is due to the combined effects on the increased specific surface area and the enhanced conductivity of V2O3@C composite catalysts.

Performances of MnWO4@AC mixed oxide composite materials as Pt-free counter electrodes for high efficiently dye sensitized solar cells

Replacing the expensive Pt catalyst of counter electrodes (CEs) with a low-cost Pt-free catalyst has been regarded as one of the crucial steps for cost effectiveness of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Recent progress on nanostructured carbon-based counter/back electrodes for high-performance dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs) favor minimal environmental impact and low processing costs, factors that have prompted intensive research and development. In both cases, rare, expensive, and less stable metals (Pt and Au) are used as counter/back electrodes; this design increases the overall fabrication cost of commercial DSSC and PSC devices. Therefore, significant attempts have been made to identify possible substitutes. Carbon-based materials seem to be a favorable candidate for DSSCs and PSCs due to their excellent catalytic ability, easy scalability, low cost, and long-term stability. However, different carbon materials, including carbon black, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, among others, have distinct properties, which have a significant role in device efficiency. Herein, we summarize the recent advancement of carbon-based materials and review their synthetic approaches, structure-function relationship, surface modification, heteroatoms/metal/metal oxide incorporation, fabrication process of counter/back electrodes, and their effects on photovoltaic efficiency, based on previous studies. Finally, we highlight the advantages, disadvantages, and design criteria of carbon materials and fabrication challenges that inspire researchers to find low cost, efficient and stable counter/back electrodes for DSSCs and PSCs.