Graphene oxide induced fabrication of pillared and double-faced polyaniline arrays with enhanced triiodide reduction capability. (20th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Zonghua; Lu, Bing; Meng, Xiangtong; Zhao, Changtai; Huang, Longlong; Liu, Zhiqiang; Yu, Chang; Qiu, Jieshan
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 252(2017)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2017-10-20
• Subjects: Polyaniline array -- Dye-sensitized solar cell -- Counter electrode -- Triiodide reduction -- Electrocatalytic activity; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.08.152
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Pillared and double-faced polyaniline arrays with highly open architectures are configured. The as-made PANI/GO composites as CE for DSSCs deliver superior PCE to Pt. The PANI arrays lead to highly exposed active sites, producing an enhanced catalytic activity. Excellent electrochemical stability of PANI/GO implies great potential for Pt replacement. Abstract: Counter electrode (CE) materials, featuring low cost, high electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic activity, are one of the key points to achieve practical application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). To tackle with this issue, the pillared and double-faced polyaniline (PANI) nanocone arrays induced by graphene oxide (GO) (PANI/GO) are configured through in-situ polymerization, and the electrochemical behavior as the low-cost CE for DSSCs is revealed. The GO sheets adopted as a substrate and structure-directing agent could effectively induce the uniform and vertical growth of PANI arrays, thus producing a free and open networks. This unique structure is further capable of shortening the ionic diffusion path and providing the large contactable area to the electrolyte. And, a high power conversion efficiency of 8.19 ± 0.08% can be achieved, being superior to those of Pt and PANI references. Moreover, the as-made PANI/GO CE also delivers an outstanding electrochemical stability. The present strategy provides a simple yet efficient method to engineer the high-efficiency and fast mass-transport catalyst for DSSCs and electrode materials for other energy storage/conversion.