Polythiophene/graphene composite as a highly efficient platinum-free counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells. (1st March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bora, Chandramika; Sarkar, Chandrama; Mohan, Kiron J.; Dolui, Swapan
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 157(2015)
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2015-03-01
• Subjects: Graphene -- polythiophene -- counter electrodes -- dye-sensitized solar cells; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2014.12.164
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Synthesis of polythiophene/graphene composite by liquid/liquid interfacial polymerization. Application of the synthesized composite as a highly efficient platinum-free counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells The composite counter electrode showed a conversion efficiency of 4.8% which is comparable to that of platinum electrode. Abstract: Herein we have reported preparation of polythiophene (PTh)/graphene (GR) composite by interfacial polymerization and its use as a counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The composite electrode showed excellent catalytic activity for reduction of triiodide. Both the short-circuit photocurrent density and fill factor values of the composite increased on incorporation of GR sheets. The PTh/GR composite CE based DSSCs showed an energy conversion efficiency of 4.8% which is comparable to that of conventional Pt electrode. Thus PTh/GR composite material has proven to be an effective substitute to the expensive Pt electrode for application as next generation counter electrode in DSSCs.