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High performance carbon black counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

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  • Wu, Chia-Shing
  • Chang, Ting-Wei
  • Teng, Hsisheng
  • Lee, Yuh-Lang

Abstract

Carbon black (CB) thin films are prepared using a doctor blade process and utilized as counter electrodes (CEs) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is used as a binder to regulate the viscosity of the CB paste to facilitate the doctor blade process. The PVDF is then removed via thermal treatment at 350 or 450 °C. The effects of CB composition (8-15 wt%) and the heat-treatment temperature on the electrochemical properties of the CB electrodes are studied, as well as on the performance of the corresponding DSSCs. The results show that, after the heat treatment, all CB films demonstrate a mesoporous structure. Film thickness increases with increased CB concentration. CB films heat-treated at 350 °C exhibit low electrochemical activity, high charge transfer resistance, and poor performance when utilized in DSSCs. These results are attributed to the presence of residual PVDF. By elevating the treating temperature to 450 °C, PVDF is completely removed and the electrochemical properties of the resultant CB films resemble closely those of platinum (Pt) film. The DSSCs using these CB CEs achieve conversion efficiencies (8.27–8.35%) comparable to cells using Pt (8.29%).

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Chia-Shing & Chang, Ting-Wei & Teng, Hsisheng & Lee, Yuh-Lang, 2016. "High performance carbon black counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 115(P1), pages 513-518.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:115:y:2016:i:p1:p:513-518
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.09.052
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yu Hou & Dong Wang & Xiao Hua Yang & Wen Qi Fang & Bo Zhang & Hai Feng Wang & Guan Zhong Lu & P. Hu & Hui Jun Zhao & Hua Gui Yang, 2013. "Rational screening low-cost counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-8, June.
    2. Sasha Stankovich & Dmitriy A. Dikin & Geoffrey H. B. Dommett & Kevin M. Kohlhaas & Eric J. Zimney & Eric A. Stach & Richard D. Piner & SonBinh T. Nguyen & Rodney S. Ruoff, 2006. "Graphene-based composite materials," Nature, Nature, vol. 442(7100), pages 282-286, July.
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    1. Alami, Abdul Hai & Rajab, Bilal & Abed, Jehad & Faraj, Mohammed & Hawili, Abdullah Abu & Alawadhi, Hussain, 2019. "Investigating various copper oxides-based counter electrodes for dye sensitized solar cell applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 526-533.

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