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Chang CY, Kaur N, Prado-Rivera R, Lai CY, Radu D. Size-Controlled Cu 3VSe 4 Nanocrystals as Cathode Material in Platinum-Free Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:13719-13728. [PMID: 38459614 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we report the first single-step, size-controlled synthesis of Cu3VSe4 cuboidal nanocrystals, with the longest dimension ranging from 9 to 36 nm, and their use in replacing the platinum counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells. Cu3VSe4, a ternary semiconductor from the class of sulvanites, is theoretically predicted to have good hole mobility, making it a promising candidate for charge transport in solar photovoltaic devices. The identity and crystalline purity of the Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals were validated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The particle size was determined from the XRD data using the Williamson-Hall equation and was found in agreement with the transmission electron microscopy imaging. Based on the electrochemical activity of the Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals, studied by cyclic voltammetry, the nanomaterials were further employed for fabricating counter electrodes (CEs) in Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells. The counter electrodes were prepared from Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals as thin films, and the charge transfer kinetics were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The work demonstrates that Cu3VSe4 counter electrodes successfully replace platinum in DSSCs. CEs fabricated with the Cu3VSe4 nanocrystals having an average particle size of 31.6 nm outperformed Pt, leading to DSSCs with the highest power conversion efficiency (5.93%) when compared with those fabricated with the Pt CE (5.85%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yu Chang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33174, United States
| | - Navdeep Kaur
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33174, United States
| | - Roberto Prado-Rivera
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33174, United States
| | - Cheng-Yu Lai
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33174, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Daniela Radu
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33174, United States
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Tringides CM, Mooney DJ. Materials for Implantable Surface Electrode Arrays: Current Status and Future Directions. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107207. [PMID: 34716730 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Surface electrode arrays are mainly fabricated from rigid or elastic materials, and precisely manipulated ductile metal films, which offer limited stretchability. However, the living tissues to which they are applied are nonlinear viscoelastic materials, which can undergo significant mechanical deformation in dynamic biological environments. Further, the same arrays and compositions are often repurposed for vastly different tissues rather than optimizing the materials and mechanical properties of the implant for the target application. By first characterizing the desired biological environment, and then designing a technology for a particular organ, surface electrode arrays may be more conformable, and offer better interfaces to tissues while causing less damage. Here, the various materials used in each component of a surface electrode array are first reviewed, and then electrically active implants in three specific biological systems, the nervous system, the muscular system, and skin, are described. Finally, the fabrication of next-generation surface arrays that overcome current limitations is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Tringides
- Harvard Program in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - David J Mooney
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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Sahare S, A SK, Bhave T, Abhyankar A. Novel cost-effective and electrocatalytically active intermetallic nickel aluminide counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells. NANO EXPRESS 2020. [DOI: 10.1088/2632-959x/abcbd7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The very high cost, scarcity and dissolubility of platinum (Pt) is the center of debates as a counter electrode (CE) in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) research domain. To deal with such core issues, herein, novel low-cost and electro-catalytically active inter-metallic nickel aluminide (Ni3Al) thin films have been fabricated successfully on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates by DC magnetron sputtering at room temperature. For the first time, Ni3Al has been utilized as a CE for DSSCs application. Further, the solar cell performance of Ni3Al based DSSC has compared with the sputtered coated Pt thin film based DSSC performance. Under open atmospheric experimental preparation conditions (in air), a maximum power conversion efficiency of 3% has been achieved with Ni3Al CE. The obtained efficiency is quite analogous to a DSSC fabricated with a Pt CE. Further, as-fabricated Ni3Al CEs have exhibited better electrochemical catalytic activity and anti-corrosion effect than that of sputtered Pt CEs. The low-cost and excellent electrocatalytic properties of intermetallic Ni3Al thin films may pave the way towards development of Pt-free CE for DSSCs.
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Baptayev B, Mustazheb D, Abilova Z, Balanay MP. Nanostructured flower-shaped CuCo 2S 4 as a Pt-free counter-electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:12190-12193. [PMID: 32914788 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc04211k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrated a solvothermally prepared cost-effective, mesoporous, and high surface area nanostructured flower-shaped CuCo2S4 counter-electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. The new counter electrode exhibited comparable results with a traditional Pt-based counter electrode, 7.56% vs. 7.42%, respectively. The electrochemical analysis demonstrated superior electrocatalytic activity of the product, which was stable even after 6 months of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bakhytzhan Baptayev
- National Laboratory Astana, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan.
| | - Dias Mustazheb
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan.
| | - Zhamilya Abilova
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan.
| | - Mannix P Balanay
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan.
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Aftabuzzaman M, Lu C, Kim HK. Recent progress on nanostructured carbon-based counter/back electrodes for high-performance dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:17590-17648. [PMID: 32820785 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr04112b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aftabuzzaman
- Global GET-Future Lab & Department of Advanced Materials Chemistry, Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong 339-700, Korea.
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Vikraman D, Patil SA, Hussain S, Mengal N, Jeong SH, Jung J, Park HJ, Kim HS, Kim HS. Construction of dye-sensitized solar cells using wet chemical route synthesized MoSe2 counter electrode. J IND ENG CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ahmed A, Xiang W, Li Z, Amiinu IS, Zhao X. Yolk-shell m-SiO2@ Nitrogen doped carbon derived zeolitic imidazolate framework high efficient counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. Electrochim Acta 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.09.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Muthalif MPA, Sunesh CD, Choe Y. Improved photovoltaic performance of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on highly electrocatalytic Ca-doped CuS counter electrodes. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Ahmed ASA, Xiang W, Gu A, Hu X, Saana IA, Zhao X. Carbon black/silicon nitride nanocomposites as high-efficiency counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. NEW J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8nj00398j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A carbon black–silicon nitride (CB–Si3N4) nanocomposite is prepared as a cost-effective counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaal S. A. Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architecture
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
- Chemistry Department
| | - Wanchun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architecture
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
| | - Anna Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architecture
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
| | - Xiaowei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architecture
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
| | - Ibrahim Amiinu Saana
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Synthesis and Processing
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
| | - Xiujian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architecture
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
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Ahmed ASA, Xiang W, Saana Amiinu I, Zhao X. Zeolitic-imidazolate-framework (ZIF-8)/PEDOT:PSS composite counter electrode for low cost and efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. NEW J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8nj03192d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
ZIF-8 polystyrenesulfonate-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (ZIF-8/PEDOT:PSS) is prepared and used as the alternative counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on I−/I3− and Co2+/Co3+ redox mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaal S. A. Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architecture
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
- Chemistry Department
| | - Wanchun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architecture
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
| | - Ibrahim Saana Amiinu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
| | - Xiujian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architecture
- Wuhan University of Technology
- Wuhan 430070
- P. R. China
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The charge transport characterization of the polyaniline coated carbon fabric as a novel textile based counter electrode for flexible dye-sensitized solar cell. Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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12
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Chou JC, Huang YC, Wu TY, Liao YH, Lai CH, Chu CM, Lin YJ. Poly(3,3-dibenzyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepine)/Platinum Composite Films as Potential Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:E271. [PMID: 30970949 PMCID: PMC6432400 DOI: 10.3390/polym9070271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, poly(3,3-dibenzyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepine)/platinum composite films (PProDOT-Bz₂/Pt) were used as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The composite films were prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass by radio frequency (RF) sputtering to deposit platinum (Pt) for 30 s. Afterwards, PProDOT-Bz₂ was deposited on the Pt⁻FTO glass via electrochemical polymerization. The electron transfer process of DSSCs was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The DSSCs with 0.05 C/cm² PProDOT-Bz₂-Pt composite films showed an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.70 V, a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 7.27 mA/cm², and a fill factor (F.F.) of 68.74%. This corresponded to a photovoltaic conversion efficiency (η) of 3.50% under a light intensity of 100 mW/cm².
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chuan Chou
- Graduate School of Electronic Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan.
- Department of Electronic Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chi Huang
- Graduate School of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan.
| | - Tzi-Yi Wu
- Graduate School of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Hung Liao
- Department of Information and Electronic Commerce Management, TransWorld University, Yunlin 64063, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Hsien Lai
- Graduate School of Electronic Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan.
- Department of Electronic Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Ming Chu
- Department of Electronic Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Jen Lin
- Graduate School of Electronic Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan.
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