Development of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polythiophene (MWCNT/PTh) nanocomposites for platinum-free dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmad, Zumar; Farooq, Esha; Nazar, Rabia; Mehmood, Umer; Fareed, Imran
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 245(2022)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Polymers -- Solar energy materials -- Thin-film -- Counter electrode -- Catalyst -- DSSC; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2022.09.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Nanocomposites of MWCNTs/PTh were synthesized via in-situ polymerization method. These composites were employed as catalyst materials for the counter electrode of DSSCs. FTIR and XRD analyses conform the interaction of MWCNTs with PTh in composites. MWCNTs contents in composites affect the efficiency of DSSCs. DSSC with 30 %MWCNTs/PTh shows the PCE of 1.608%, higher than Pt based cell (1.067%). Abstract: Platinum is utilized to a significant degree as a catalyst material in the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells. However, its utilization is constrained by its high cost, scarcity, requirement for high purity, poor corrosion resistance against liquid electrolytes, and energy-intensive deposition techniques. It is possible to substitute platinum with carbon allotropes or composites built of conductive polymer materials. In this study, in-situ polymerization was used to synthesize nanocomposites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and polythiophene. X-ray Diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to examine the interactions between ingredients and the morphological features of composites, respectively. The results showed that the amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in composites affects the effectiveness of solar devices. Compared to cells based on 10% and 60 %MWCNTs/PTh, the efficiency of the cell that was made with 30 %MWCNTs/PTh exhibited a greater level of performance. The results also showed that the MWCNTs/PTh device outperformed Pt-based solar cells in terms of performance.