Synthesis of MoIn₂S₄@CNTs Composite Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A ternary and composite MoIn₂S₄@CNTs counter electrode (CE) with a hedgehog ball structure was synthesized by using a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The composite MoIn₂S₄@CNTs film possesses large specific surface area through N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms test, which is advantageous to adsorb more electrolyte and provide larger active contact area for the electrode. In addition, the composite MoIn₂S₄@CNTs CE exhibits low charge transfer resistance and fine electrocatalytic ability made from a series of electrochemical tests including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance, and Tafel curves. Under optimal conditions, the DSSC based on the MoIn₂S₄@CNTs-2 composite CE achieves an impressive power conversion efficiency as high as 8.38%, which remarkably exceeds that of the DSSCs with the MoIn₂S₄ CE (7.44%) and the Pt electrode (8.01%). The current work provides a simplified preparation process for the DSSCs.