A New Aspect for Band Gap Energy of Graphene-Mg₂CuSnCoO₆-Gallic Acid as a Counter Electrode for Enhancing Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance

Abstract

To develop counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), band gap energy of quaternary semiconductor materials is of great interest. In the present study, a novel graphene sheet based on Mg2CuSnCoO6-Gallic acid nanomaterials (G/MCS@Gallic) was modified with a new Joule heating method, and a laser was applied for measuring band gap energy. Synergistic effect between graphene and Mg2CuSnCoO6-Gallic ensured excellent electron transport through the electrode and low band gap energy. The large surface area of the hybrid graphene materials rivaled the catalytic capability for iodide reduction. DSSCs achieved a maximum photoelectric conversion efficiency of 13.30% based on the 10% G/MCS@Gallic CE, which was higher than the platinum conversion efficiency. Thus, G/MCS@Gallic provides a novel, inexpensive, high-performance, and flexible cathode for solar cell applications.

Sulfonated carbons from agro-industrial residues: simple and efficient catalysts for the Biginelli reaction

“…The determination of the acidic surface functional groups was performed using the Boehm titration method, 59 with modifications. 60,61 For this, 0.05 g of the CRH sample was added to three Erlenmeyer flasks, each containing NaOH, Na 2 CO 3 , and NaHCO 3 (0.1 mol L À1 ; 10 mL). The solutions were stirred for 24 h at room temperature.…”

Enhanced Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Polymer-Assisted Dispersion of Platinum Nanoparticles/Carbon Nanotubes Nanohybrid Films as FTO-Free Counter Electrodes

“…It was also reported that a counter electrode composed of carbon black, and a conductive polymer with conductive glass, can have a conversion efficiency reaching 7.24% [ 32 ]. Moreover, due to its high chemical stability, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and excellent mechanical properties [ 33 ], multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have recently been reported on multiple accounts to show good electronic properties in the production of DSSCs [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Samantaray et al prepared the counter electrode of DSSCs using carbon nanotubes, reporting a conversion efficiency of 7.00–7.81% [ 37 ].…”

Cause, Regulation and Utilization of Dye Aggregation in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Therefore, researchers pay more attention to the development of low cost and high activity nano carbon materials, conductive polymers and their composite materials, etc. [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. It is worth noting that in recent years, flexible DSSCs assembled on non-planar fibrous conductive substrates with high curvature and excellent stitchability have been constantly developed, which break through the limitations of traditional flat substrates and have the advantages of bendability, light weight and wide application prospects [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”