PtCoFe Nanowire Cathodes Boost Short-Circuit Currents of Ru(II)-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells to a Power Conversion Efficiency of 12.29%
Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Journal Volume
28
Journal Issue
3
Date Issued
2018
Author(s)
Chiang, C.-C.P.
Hung, C.-Y.
Chou, S.-W.
Shyue, J.-J.
Cheng, K.-Y.
Chang, P.-J.
Yang, Y.-Y.
Lin, C.-Y.
Chang, T.-K.
Chi, Y.
Chou, H.-L.
Abstract
PtCoFe nanowires with different alloying compositions are chemically prepared and acted as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with Ru(II)-based dyes. Due to their superior I-3 reduction activity, PtCoFe nanowires with rich (111) facets enhance the performance of DSSCs. Hence, N719 DSSCs with PtCoFe nanowires, respectively, produce better power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.10% for Pt33Co24Fe43 nanowire, 8.33% for Pt74Co12Fe14 nanowire, and 9.26% for Pt49Co23Fe28 nanowire in comparison to the PCE of Pt CE (7.32%). Further, the PRT-22 DSSC with Pt49Co23Fe28 nanowire exhibits a maximum PCE of 12.29% with a certificated value of 12.0%, which surpass the previous PCE record of the DSSCs with Ru(II)-based dyes. The photovoltaic and electrochemical results reveal the composition-dependent activity along with a volcano-shaped trend in the I−/ I-3 redox reaction. Theoretical work on the adsorption energies of I2, the desorption energies of I−, and the corresponding absolute energy demonstrates that the I-3 reduction activity followed in the order of Pt49Co23Fe28(111) plane > Pt74Co12Fe14(111) plane > Pt33Co24Fe43(111) plane, proving Pt49Co23Fe28 nanowire to be a superior cathode material for DSSCs. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Subjects
counter electrodes; dye-sensitized solar cells; PtCoFe alloy nanowires; Ru(II)-based dyes; triiodide reduction
SDGs
Other Subjects
Cathodes; Cobalt alloys; Conversion efficiency; Electrodes; Iron alloys; Nanostructured materials; Nanowires; Redox reactions; Reduction; Ruthenium alloys; Solar cells; Ternary alloys; Timing circuits; Adsorption energies; Alloy nanowires; Alloying compositions; Cath-ode materials; Counter electrodes; Power conversion efficiencies; Reduction activity; Triiodide; Dye-sensitized solar cells
Type
journal article