In situ synthesis of two-dimensional leaf-like Cu₂ZnSnS₄ plate arrays as a Pt-free counter electrode for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Kesterite-structure Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) has been proved to be a high-performance Pt-free counter electrode (CE) material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

A review on applications of Cu2ZnSnS4 as alternative counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells

“…8(d)-(g). 97 This result remarkably proves that CZTS can be a better alternative in replacement of Pt.…”

“…recently reported a highest efficiency of 8.67% by using the semi-transparent two dimensional leaf-like CZTS plate arrays in-situ growth on a FTO glass substrate without going any post-treatment. 97 The overall PCE of CZTS CE's are still lesser than the Pt and carbon based CE materials and further studies like fabrication technique, synthesis strategies, doping, tuning of optical properties are also need to be monitor for improved performance of the CZTS based CE (Fig. 5(b)).…”

“…45,55,64,97,100,[112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124] Performance of CZTS could be enhanced after treatment with TiCl 4 , making composite with another alternative electro-catalysts such as graphene, carbon or may be variation in the precursor concentration or film deposition mechanism. In situ fabricated CZTS film was shown periodic deposition upon tuning the concentration of CZTS precursor and ethanol during solvothermal synthesis process and designated as CZTS 1,2,3 4, and 5.…”

“…64 In-situ growth CZTS nanoleaf based CE shows till now a highest efficiency of 8.67% as reported by . 97 This highest efficiency achieved might be due to high catalytic surface area, fast photo-generated electron transport at the CE/redox electrolyte interface, remarkable electrocatalytic activity for I 3 − reduction, low charge transfer resistance toward the reduction of I 3 -ions, and high diffusion coefficient of the I 3 -even without any post-treatments and schematically represented in Fig. 8(c).…”

“…9(b), a comparable R SH of CZTS-6h (4.98 Ω.cm -2 ) to Pt (4.67 Ω.cm -2 ) reflects successful replacement of Pt in DSSC. 97 The small value of CZTS CEs indicates also a good bonding strength between in situ CZTS films and FTO substrates, which in turn promotes the transfer of more electrons from the external circuit or of holes from the electrolyte to the CEs. Solvothermally prepared CZTS films exhibited the highest efficiency of 5.65% than 4.96% by using Pt (4.96%) as alternative CE as reported by , 125,126 corresponding J-V plot has been given as Fig.…”