Preparation and characterization of Pt/carbon counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Pt and carbon electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were prepared. An activated Pt electrode, carbon electrodes based on graphite and activated carbon, and Pt/carbon electrodes were prepared by wet processes. The structures of the electrodes were studied by a scanning electron microscopy. For the Pt/carbon electrodes, it was shown that Pt nanoparticles are effectively deposited over the surface of carbon materials. Using these counter electrodes, DSSCs were fabricated and their photocurrent–voltage characteristics were studied. The performance of a Pt/activated carbon electrode was superior to that for the activated Pt electrode. There is a possibility that Pt consumption can be reduced by using the Pt/activated carbon electrode.

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► Pt/carbon electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells were prepared.
► Pt nanoparticles were effectively deposited over the surface of carbon material.
► The performance of Pt/activated carbon electrode exceeds that of Pt electrode.