Interface Engineered Binary Platinum Free Alloy-based Counter Electrodes with Improved Performance in Dye-Sensitized...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• High cost and platinum dissolution limit the widespread adoption of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
• Counter electrodes (CEs) are critical components in DSSCs, influencing overall device performance and stability.
• Developing cost-effective and efficient alternatives to platinum CEs is essential for advancing DSSC technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and investigate novel binary alloy nanostructure counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
• To evaluate the performance of Ru-Co, Ru-Se, and Co-Se alloy CEs as alternatives to platinum.
• To identify a superior alloy composition for enhanced DSSC efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Facile and environmentally friendly synthesis of Ru-Co, Ru-Se, and Co-Se binary alloy nanostructure CEs.
• Fabrication and electrochemical characterization of DSSCs utilizing the synthesized alloy CEs.
• Performance evaluation including photoelectric conversion efficiency and comparison with pure platinum CEs.

Main Results:

• The Co20.85Se79.15 alloy CE demonstrated a higher photoelectric conversion efficiency of 7.08% compared to pure platinum (5.80%).
• The Co20.85Se79.15 alloy exhibited enhanced catalytic activity due to a larger number of active sites.
• Improved charge transferability and reduced interface resistance were observed for the Co20.85Se79.15 alloy CE.

Conclusions:

• The Co20.85Se79.15 alloy is a promising, cost-effective CE material for DSSCs, outperforming pure platinum.
• The alloy's superior performance is attributed to its favorable work function matching with the redox electrolyte and enhanced catalytic properties.
• This research opens new avenues for developing efficient and economical CEs for future dye-sensitized solar cell applications.