Optically transparent graphene nanoplatelet inks as low cost electrocatalysts for liquid dye sensitised solar cells. Issue 1667 (14th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baker, J.; Watson, T.M.; Jones, D.; Deganello, D.; Gethin, D.T.; Claypole, T C
• Is Part Of: MRS proceedings. Issue 1667:(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-07-14
• Subjects: catalytic, -- photovoltaic, -- solution deposition; Electrical engineering -- Congresses; Physics -- Congresses; Materials -- Research -- Congresses; Materials science -- Congresses; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1557/opl.2014.684
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-9172

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) functionalised with platinum were explored as the active material in a high specific surface area ink. The ink had a transmission at 550nm (T550) = 85% and a charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 6Ω/cm 2 . Although the Rct is higher than required for laboratory cells having a Jsc of 20mA/cm 2 under 1 sun test conditions it is sufficient for industrially produced reverse devices, especially when utilised for indoor applications where light conditions will be lower than 100W/m 2 . This was demonstrated by reverse illuminated DSC efficiencies with flexible cathodes which were equivalent to cells with sputtered platinum catalysts when subjected to 300W/m 2 lighting or less. A modification to the ink, suitable for catalysing a Co 2+/3+ electrolyte having an Rct of 2Ω/cm 2 and T550= 85% was undertaken. This demonstrates potential for use in high efficiency cobalt mediated DSCs. The work shows that printed graphene catalysts are a versatile low cost replacement to sputtered platinum in reverse illuminated DSCs for dye sensitised solar cells.