Carbon Counter Electrodes in Dye‐Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract

Developing highly effective and stable counter electrode (CE) materials to replace rare and expensive noble metals for dye‐sensitized and perovskite solar cells (DSC and PSC) is a research hotspot. Carbon materials are identified as the most qualified noble metal‐free CEs for the commercialization of the two photovoltaic devices due to their merits of low cost, excellent activity, and superior stability. Herein, carbonaceous CE materials are reviewed extensively with respect to the two devices. For DSC, a classified discussion according to the morphology is presented because electrode properties are closely related to the specific porosity or nanostructure of carbon materials. The pivotal factors influencing the catalytic behavior of carbon CEs are also discussed. For PSC, an overview of the new carbon CE materials is addressed comprehensively. Moreover, the modification techniques to improve the interfacial contact between the perovskite and carbon layers, aiming to enhance the photovoltaic performance, are also demonstrated. Finally, the development directions, main challenges, and coping approaches with respect to the carbon CE in DSC and PSC are stated.

Performance evaluation of a low-cost, novel vanadium nitride xerogel (VNXG) as a platinum-free electrocatalyst for dye-sensitized solar cells

“…Tremendous research advancements have been made in all types of solar cells: rst-generation silicon-based photovoltaics, secondgeneration thin lm-based solar cells and third-generation emerging PVs, which include dye-sensitised solar cells, perovskites, quantum dots, and organic/polymer solar cells. [3][4][5][6] Each type of solar cell has its own pros and cons such as high efficiency but high cost, toxicity and low stability. However, dyesensitized solar cells are one among those investigated intensively, and they have been concluded as comparatively costeffective, efficient, stable and, most importantly, non-toxic solar cells.…”

An Ultrasensitive Non-Enzymatic Sensor for Quantitation of Anti-Cancer Substance Chicoric Acid Based on Bimetallic Nanoalloy with Polyetherimide-Capped Reduced Graphene Oxide

“…In addition, the ratio of peak current (Ipa/Ipc) of Au@Pt-PEI-RGO/GCE was around −1.025, which refers to a reversible process on the electrode. The value of Ipa/Ipc is close to 1, suggesting that the electrode displays a significantly catalytic performance [46]. The improvement in response signals may be attributed to the high electrocatalytic activity of gold and platinum, the electrical conductivity and enlarged active surface area of PEI-RGO, and the synergistic effects after integration.…”

Tailoring organic bulk-heterojunction for charge extraction and spectral absorption in CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells

“…S6). A deep observation reveals a slightly improved stability for BHJ-tailored device, which is mainly attributed to the hydrophobicity of carbon electrode and organic BHJ layer [53,54]. Till now, we can make a conclusion that the integration of BHJ with CsPbBr 3 can enhance charge carrier extraction, widen spectral absorption and finally increase the PCE and stability of Materials.…”