Fabrication of Cost-Effective Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Sheet-Like CoS2 Films and Phthaloylchitosan-Based Gel-Polymer Electrolyte

Abstract

Platinum-free counter electrodes (CE) were developed for use in efficient and cost-effective energy conversion devices, such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Electrochemical deposition of CoS 2 on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) formed a hierarchical sheet-like structured CoS 2 thin film. This film was engaged as a cost-effective platinum-free and high-efficiency CE for DSSCs. High stability was achieved using a phthaloychitosan-based gel-polymer electrolyte as the redox electrolyte. The electrocatalytic performance of the sheet-like CoS 2 film was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The film displayed improved electrocatalytic behavior that can be credited to a low charge-transfer resistance at the CE/electrolyte boundary and improved exchange between triiodide and iodide ions. The fabricated DSSCs with a phthaloychitosan-based gel-polymer electrolyte and sheet-like CoS 2 CE had a power conversion efficiency (PCE, η) of 7.29% with a fill factor (FF) of 0.64, J sc of 17.51 mA/cm 2 , and a V oc of 0.65 V, which was analogous to that of Pt CE (η = 7.82%). The high PCE of the sheet-like CoS 2 CE arises from the enhanced FF and J sc , which can be attributed to the abundant active electrocatalytic sites and enhanced interfacial charge-transfer by the well-organized surface structure.

3D nanorhombus nickel nitride as stable and cost-effective counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells and supercapacitor applications

“…The redox peaks, Ox-1 and Red-1, are the focus of our investigation in light of the fact that the CE is accountable for the electrocatalytic I 3 À reduction in DSSCs. 47,48 The peak current density and the peak-to-peak separation (E PP ) are two vital factors for assessing the electrocatalytic performances of a CE. higher in E1 electrolyte which is mainly due to the volatile AcN based solvent.…”

Utilization of leaf and fruit extracts of kedondong (Spondias dulcis Forst) as a supporting material for energy conversion in dye sensitized solar cells and electrochemical cells

“…The standard DSSC suite mimics the photosynthetic process with four main components: dye as a sensitizer, metal oxide-based semiconductor as a photoanode, redox electrolyte (usually iodide/triiodide), and counter electrode. The counter electrode (CE) is an important part of the DSSC, because it accepts electrons from external loads and catalyzes the I 3to Ireduction in electrolytes (Prasad et al 2018).…”