Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Derivatives with Conducting Polymers and Their Applications in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells and Supercapacitors

Abstract

Recent progress concerning the development of counter electrode material (CE) from the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and the electrode material (EM) within supercapacitors is reviewed. From composites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and conducting polymers (CPs) to their biggest competitor, namely composites based on graphene or graphene derivate (GD) and CPs, there are many methods of synthesis that influence the morphology and the functionalization inside the composite, making them valuable candidates for EM both inside DSSCs and in supercapacitors devices. From the combination of CPs with carbon-based materials, such as CNT and graphene or GD, the perfect network is created, and so the charge transfer takes place faster and more easily. Inside composites, between the functional groups of the components, different functionalizations are formed, namely covalent or non-covalent, which further provide the so-called synergic effect. Inside CPs/CNTs, CNTs could play the role of template but could also be wrapped in a CP film due to π–π coupling enhancing the composite conductivity. Active in regenerating the redox couple I−/I3−, the weakly bound electrons play a key role inside CPs/GD composites.

Investigating and studying the effects of coating converter colors with the approach of converting solar energy into electric current in solar cells on porous silica

“…These peaks is belong to cassiterite crystal phase with tetragonal rutile structure (JCPDS No. 41-1445) [10]. XRD spectra for Titania thin films are shown in Fig.…”