| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1504962 | Solid State Sciences | 2012 | 5 Pages |
For the purpose of increasing the energy conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polythiophene (PTh) composite film counter electrode has been fabricated by electrophoresis and cyclic voltammetry (CV) in sequence. The morphology and chemical structure have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy respectively. The overall energy conversion efficiency of the DSSC employing the MWCNT/PTh composite film has reached 4.72%, which is close to that of the DSSC with a platinum (Pt) counter electrode (5.68%). Compared with a standard DSSC with MWCNT counter electrode whose efficiency is 2.68%, the energy conversion efficiency has been increased by 76.12% for the DSSC with MWCNT/PTh counter electrode. These results indicate that the composite film with high conductivity, high active surface area, and good catalytic properties for I3− reduction can potentially be used as the counter electrode in a high-performance DSSC.
Graphical abstractThe overall energy conversion efficiency of the DSSC employing the MWCNT/PTh composite film has reached 4.72%, which is close to that of the DSSC with a platinum (Pt) counter electrode (5.68%).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► MWCNT/PTh composite film prepared by electrodeposition layer by layer was used as counter electrode in DSSC. ► The overall energy conversion efficiency of the DSSC was 4.72% by employing the composite film. ► The efficiency was close to that using a platinum counter electrode (5.68%). ► We analyzed the mechanism and influence factor of electron transfer in the composite electrode by EIS.
