Synthesis of CoSe2/RGO Composites and Its Application as a Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

In this study, cobalt diselenide (CoSe 2) and the composites (CoSe2@RGO) of CoSe 2 and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal reaction using cobalt ions and selenide source with or without graphene oxide (GO). The formation of CoSe 2 @RGO composites was identified by analysis with X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical analyses demonstrated that the CoSe 2 @RGO composites have excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of I 3-, possibly indicating a synergetic effect of CoSe 2 and RGO. As a consequence, the CoSe 2 @RGO composites were applied as a counter electrode in DSSC for the reduction of redox couple electrolyte, and exhibiting the comparable power conversion efficiency (7.01%) to the rare metal platinum (Pt) based photovoltaic device (6.77%).

Applications of Ceramic/Graphene Composites and Hybrids

“…For instance, a Co 3 O 4 /N-doped rGO composite [ 64 ] showed 42% reduced charge transfer resistance and DSSC achieved a 12% increase of the current density and 0.61% (7.8% increment ratio) higher PCE than with the Pt-based electrode. A CoSe/rGO counter electrode [ 65 ] showed improved catalytic performance increasing cell PCE by 0.24% with respect to a cell with Pt electrode and 0.54% with respect to the cell with a CoSe 2 electrode. In a similar way, high electrocatalytic activity for I 3 − reduction, 34% reduced charge transfer resistance and improved mechanical strength compared to Pt was measured for the MoSe 2 /rGO counter electrode, Figure 5 (b.1,b.2) [ 59 ].…”

Nanocomposite Counter‐Electrode Materials for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: A Review

“…[72] Ko et al created the nanocomposite CoSe 2 @rGO (CoSe 2 @rGO) of CoSe 2 utilizing a simple hydrothermal process with cobalt ions and a selenide source. [73] Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscop (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy, the production of the nanocomposite CoSe 2 @rGO was discovered. CoSe 2 @rGO nanocomposite is a candidate for catalytic activity in the reduction of triiodide electrolyte, according to the electrochemical analysis performed using CV, which exhibits excellent performance with 0.50 cm 2 .…”

Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell using Ru Dye Attached PCBM

“…Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have garnered significant interest due to their straightforward manufacturing process and potential versatility, enabling the integration of aesthetically appealing designs in various applications [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Despite the diverse research avenues within this field, the direct application of efficient Ru dyes in the primary absorption layer, particularly within heterojunction solar cells, has remained limited [7][8][9][10].…”