Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes embedded with nanoflakes boost the short-circuit current of Ru (II) based dye-sensitized solar cells. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khan, Muhammad Wasim; Zuo, Xueqin; Yang, Qun; Tang, Huaibao; Ur Rehman, Khalid Mehmood; Wu, Mingzai; Li, Guang
• Is Part Of: Dyes and pigments. Volume 181(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Stability -- Synergistic effect -- Nanoflakes (NFs) -- Dye-sensitized solar cell -- Photoelectric performance; Dyes and dyeing -- Periodicals; Pigments -- Periodicals; 667.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2020.108573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-7208

Abstract

Abstract: In this experimental strategy, we report a new cost-effective platinum-free counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The counter electrode was made by functionally fixing SnS 2 nanoflakes on functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes ( f − MWCNTs ) and single-crystal reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The efficiency of the SnS 2 @ f − MWCNTs @ RGO nanohybrid shows significant electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of triiodide. The excellent chemical stability corresponds to the synergistic effect of SnS 2 ( NFs ) fixed on f − MWCNTs, while the conductivity of RGO is very high. In addition, the SnS 2 @ f − MWCNTs @ RGO nanocomposite as the counter electrode in DSSCs showed a surprising efficiency of the triiodide/iodide redox pair of 8.7%. It can be expected that this new form of electrode manufacturing will provide a new horizon for research in energy-based applications. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A novel SnS2 @ f- MWCNTs@RGO based catalyst was successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method, and DSSC was used as CE to study its photoelectric performance. The DSSC equipped with SnS2 @ f- MWCNTs@RGO CE has a power conversion efficiency of 8.7%, which is higher than that of Pt based CE. The synergistic effect of SnS2 (NFs) and f- MWCNTs wrapped with graphene oxide enhanced the electrocatalytic activity and conductivity of the material. SnS2 @ f- MWCNTs@RGO can also show excellent electrochemical stability.