Dye sensitized solar cell based on platinum decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes as catalytic layer on the counter electrode

In this study we have employed multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), decorated with platinum as catalytic layer for the reduction of tri-iodide ions in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). MWCNTs have been prepared by a simple one step pyrolysis method using ferrocene as the catalyst and xylene as the carbon source. Platinum decorated MWCNTs have been prepared by chemical reduction method. The as prepared MWCNTs and Pt/MWCNTs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In combination with a dye adsorbed TiO2 photoanode and an organic liquid electrolyte, Pt/MWCNT composite showed an enhanced short circuit current density of 16.12 mA/cm2 leading to a cell efficiency of 6.50% which is comparable to that of Platinum.

Graphical abstractI–V characteristics of the DSSCs with Pt CE and Pt/MWCNT CE measured at 100 mW/cm2. It shows relatively better performance with Pt/MWCNT counter electrodes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by pyrolysis. ► Synthesis of Pt/MWCNT composite by chemical reduction. ► Fabrication DSSC using Pt/MWCNT as catalytic layer on the counter electrode. ► Study of catalytic activity by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy.