Pt–NiO nanophase electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

A new type of counter electrode comprising of Pt and NiO biphase was prepared an RF magnetron cosputtering system for a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Transmission electron microscope images, transmission electron diffraction patterns, and X-ray diffraction patterns of the Pt–NiO electrodes confirmed the formation of a nanosized Pt polycrystalline phase of ∼7 nm mixed with porous amorphous NiO phase. The short-circuit current density and cell efficiency were increased from 0.22 to 0.30 mA/cm2 and from 2.1% to 2.8%, respectively, and almost constant open-circuit voltage and fill factor, 0.53 V and 63%, respectively, were observed.