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Fabrication of Cost-Effective Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Sheet-Like CoS 2 Films and Phthaloylchitosan-Based Gel-Polymer Electrolyte

Author

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  • Saradh Prasad

    (Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Electronics and Electrical Technology (SEET), Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education (KARE), Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar 626126, Tamil Nadu, India
    Research Chair on Laser Diagnosis of Cancers, Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

  • Devaraj Durairaj

    (Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Electronics and Electrical Technology (SEET), Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education (KARE), Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar 626126, Tamil Nadu, India)

  • Mohamad Saleh AlSalhi

    (Research Chair on Laser Diagnosis of Cancers, Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
    Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

  • Jayaraman Theerthagiri

    (Centre of Excellence for Energy Research, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600119, India)

  • Prabhakarn Arunachalam

    (Electrochemistry Research Group, Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

  • Govindarajan Durai

    (Centre of Excellence for Energy Research, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600119, India)

Abstract

Platinum-free counter electrodes (CE) were developed for use in efficient and cost-effective energy conversion devices, such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Electrochemical deposition of CoS 2 on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) formed a hierarchical sheet-like structured CoS 2 thin film. This film was engaged as a cost-effective platinum-free and high-efficiency CE for DSSCs. High stability was achieved using a phthaloychitosan-based gel-polymer electrolyte as the redox electrolyte. The electrocatalytic performance of the sheet-like CoS 2 film was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The film displayed improved electrocatalytic behavior that can be credited to a low charge-transfer resistance at the CE/electrolyte boundary and improved exchange between triiodide and iodide ions. The fabricated DSSCs with a phthaloychitosan-based gel-polymer electrolyte and sheet-like CoS 2 CE had a power conversion efficiency (PCE, η ) of 7.29% with a fill factor (FF) of 0.64, J sc of 17.51 mA/cm 2 , and a V oc of 0.65 V, which was analogous to that of Pt CE ( η = 7.82%). The high PCE of the sheet-like CoS 2 CE arises from the enhanced FF and J sc , which can be attributed to the abundant active electrocatalytic sites and enhanced interfacial charge-transfer by the well-organized surface structure.

Suggested Citation

  • Saradh Prasad & Devaraj Durairaj & Mohamad Saleh AlSalhi & Jayaraman Theerthagiri & Prabhakarn Arunachalam & Govindarajan Durai, 2018. "Fabrication of Cost-Effective Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Sheet-Like CoS 2 Films and Phthaloylchitosan-Based Gel-Polymer Electrolyte," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:2:p:281-:d:128481
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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