Cobalt selenide decorated polyaniline composite nanofibers as a newer counter electrode for dye‐sensitized solar cell

Abstract

The cobalt selenide nanoparticles (CoSe NPs) were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method, and polyaniline nanofibers (PANI NFs) were prepared by a chemical oxidative polymerization and its composite NFs were prepared by incorporating CoSe onto PANI at the optimized wt% 1:1 by ultrasonication to use as a newer photocathode for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The physio‐chemical properties of the prepared CoSe NPs/PANI NFs composite NFs were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffractometer, and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed that the phase pure CoSe NPs were decorated onto the PANI NFs without affecting their physio‐chemical nature. The electrochemical characteristics of CoSe NPs/PANI NFs composite NFs as photocathode were investigated by electrochemical AC‐impedance, cyclic voltammetry, and Tafel polarization studies. The CoSe decorated PANI composite NFs displayed excellent electrocatalytic behavior toward the tri‐iodide reduction. Further, DSSC fabricated with CoSe/PANI composite NFs as the photocathode exhibited the highest photoconversion efficiency of 9.14% than that of the pristine CoSe NPs and PANI NFs‐based counter electrodes (CEs). This is attributed to the synergistic electrocatalytic ability of CoSe NPs and the multiple interfacial charge transferability of PANI NFs. These results suggest that CoSe decorated PANI composite NFs could be used as a promising CE to fabricate high‐performance DSSC.

Novel low-temperature adsorption material Ni0.85Se for efficient removal of elemental mercury from coal-fired flue gas

“…Currently, the primary approach to solving the problem of mercury produced by coal combustion is adsorption, but the traditional adsorbent is generally inefficient, expensive and difficult to reuse, which greatly affects their application in the actual environment [4], so it is necessary to develop a high-quality mercury removal adsorbent [5]. In recent years, selenide has gained widespread attention for its efficacy in pollutant removal [6]. Selenium ore, abundant and economically viable, presents a promising alternative.…”

Hierarchical pompon-like cobalt phosphide as a platinum-free electrocatalyst for dye-sensitized solar cells

“…Many cobalt compounds, including oxide, sulfide, and selenide, showed competitive electrocatalytic ability to traditional platinum (Pt) in various electrochemical systems. 21,27,28 On the other hand, transition metal phosphides (TMPs) were also reported as the earth abundant and high performance electrocatalyst for multiple electrochemical devices. 7,[29][30][31] To date, Co x Se y -based and TMP-based electrodes rendered up to 10.46% 32 and 9.76% 7 of solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency to their DSSCs.…”

Circular Design Principles Applied on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…In addition, the social aspects along the value chain must not be ignored. Cobalt is considered in DSSC production, as part of the counter electrode or electrolyte for instance, to enhance DSSCs properties [92]. Still, most cobalt mining takes place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, poisoning miners and the environment [93].…”