Multifunctional conjugated molecules combined with electrospun CuCoP/carbon nanofibers as a modifier of the Pt counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells
Journal
Journal of Materials Chemistry C
Journal Volume
10
Journal Issue
34
Pages
12232
Date Issued
2022-07-21
Author(s)
Lin, Fang Sian
Sakthivel, Mani
Fan, Miao Syuan
Wu, Chien Hsin
Fong, Guan Lun
Abstract
Star-shaped 3,6-bis(5-(4,4′-bis(3-azidopropyl)-[1,1′:3′,1′-terphenyl]-5′-yl)-thien-2-yl)-2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4(2H,5H)-dione (DPPTPTA) is combined with electrospun bimetallic copper-cobalt phosphide decorated on carbon nanofibers (CuCoP/CNF) and used as a modified layer (DPPTPTA@CuCoP/CNF) on the platinum (Pt) coated counter electrode (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). DPPTPTA possesses ladder-like energy levels for efficient charge separation while CuCoP/CNF exhibits high electrocatalytic activity and sufficient electrical conductivity. Overall, the DPPTPTA@CuCoP/CNF heterostructure exhibits attractive performance needed for CE of DSSCs. From electrochemical analysis, it is observed that the DPPTPTA@CuCoP/CNF modified layer ensures efficient charge transfer at the CE/electrolyte interface with low charge transfer resistance. Moreover, the CE/electrolyte interface possesses a small electron recombination rate, since the modified layer has good charge separation ability. Under 1 sun (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2) conditions, the proposed DSSC achieved a photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of 9.50%, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 827 mV, a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 16.25 mA cm−2, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.71. Under indoor conditions, the η value at 6000 lux (1.89 mW cm−2) reached 25.44%. Finally, the porous three-dimensional nanofiber structure of modified layer can ensure the long-term stability (90% retention after 3000 h). Thus, the DPPTPTA@CuCoP/CNF modified layer-based DSSC can be considered as a promising device for possible renewable energy applications.
Subjects
HYDROGEN EVOLUTION REACTION; ORGANIC IONIC CONDUCTORS; POROUS TIO2 NANOFIBERS; HIGH-PERFORMANCE; COBALT PHOSPHIDE; ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES; EFFICIENT ELECTROCATALYST; POLYMER ELECTROLYTE; CARBON NANOTUBES; LOW-COST
SDGs
Publisher
ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY
Type
journal article