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Effect of Molybdenum Disulfide on the Performance of Polyaniline Based Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Usman Ghafoor

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Anas Bin Aqeel

    (Department of Mechatronics Engineering, College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Uzair Khaleeq uz Zaman

    (Department of Mechatronics Engineering, College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Taiba Zahid

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Noman

    (US—Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy, University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad

    (Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur 59990, Malaysia)

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells are gaining interest in the aerospace industry, extending their applications from solar-powered drones to origami-style space-based solar power stations due to their flexibility, light weightiness, and transparency. The major issue with its widespread commercial use is the employment of expensive Pt-based counter electrodes. In this study, an attempt has been made to replace the Pt with Polyaniline (PANI)/Molybdenum sulfide (MoS 2 ) nanocomposite. The nanocomposites i.e., PANI-0.5wt% MoS 2 , PANI-2wt%MoS 2 , PANI-5wt%MoS 2 , and PANI-7wt%MoS 2 and PANI-9wt%MoS 2 , have been synthesized and compared with standard Pt-based CE. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction methods have been utilized to study both surface morphology and structural composition. Fourier transform infrared has also been used to identify redox-active functionalities. Electron impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry have been employed to study electron transfer and catalytic activity. Finally, I-V testing has been conducted using a sun simulator. A maximum efficiency of 8.12% has been observed with 7wt% MoS 2 in the PANI matrix at 6 µm thickness, which is 2.65% higher compared to standard Pt-based CE (7.91%). This is due to high electronic conduction with the addition of MoS 2 , improved catalytic activity, and the high surface area of the PANI nano-rods.

Suggested Citation

  • Usman Ghafoor & Anas Bin Aqeel & Uzair Khaleeq uz Zaman & Taiba Zahid & Muhammad Noman & Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad, 2021. "Effect of Molybdenum Disulfide on the Performance of Polyaniline Based Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:13:p:3786-:d:580955
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dimitris A. Chalkias & Christos Charalampopoulos & Stefania Aivali & Aikaterini K. Andreopoulou & Aggeliki Karavioti & Elias Stathatos, 2021. "A Di-Carbazole-Based Dye as a Potential Sensitizer for Greenhouse-Integrated Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Shakeel Ahmad, Muhammad & Pandey, A.K. & Abd Rahim, Nasrudin, 2017. "Advancements in the development of TiO2 photoanodes and its fabrication methods for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 89-108.
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