Highly efficient ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells with low-cost Co–Ni/carbon aerogel composites as counter electrodes. (14th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheng, Jian; Ma, Junhong; Ma, Yuhua; Zhou, Cui; Qiang, Yue; Zhou, Xiaofeng; Yang, Jianya; Shi, Haokun; Xie, Yahong
• Is Part Of: New journal of chemistry. Volume 42:Number 19(2018)
• Page Start: 16329
• Page End: 16334
• Publication Date: 2018-09-14
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; Chimie -- Périodiques; 540
• DOI: 10.1039/c8nj03376e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1144-0546

Abstract

Abstract : Low-cost materials fabricated high-performance Co–Ni/carbon aerogels as counter electrodes. Abstract : Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have many advantages, but the use of expensive platinum counter electrodes (CEs) limits their industrial applications. In this work, a Co–Ni/carbon aerogel composite with a unique three-dimensional network structure and high specific surface area was prepared through simple ion exchange and carbonization of low-cost sodium alginate supramolecular hydrogels. Using this metal/carbon aerogel composite as the CE (hereafter denoted as CAE) of ZnO-based DSSCs, a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.08% was obtained. This value was 94.44% of the PCE obtained using Pt. Analysis of current–voltage curves, cyclic voltammograms, and electrochemical impedance spectra revealed that the fabricated CAE had higher catalytic activity than a Pt CE and comparable charge-transfer ability. The adhesion of the CAE onto FTO was also strong with carbon paste as an adhesive.