Interface modification of MoS2 counter electrode/electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cells by incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles

•The MoS2/TiO2 counter electrode (CE) exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity.•The MoS2/TiO2 CE exhibits the large active surface area.•The interface modification of CE/electrolyte led to photovoltaic improvement.•This understanding can provide guidance for developing highly efficient cells.

To achieve the high efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the interface modification of MoS2 counter electrode (CE)/electrolyte should be carried out. Making the modified MoS2 CE by incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles provides possibilities to enhance electrocatalytic activity. The DSSCs with the MoS2/TiO2 CE show enhanced performance compared with DSSCs with the MoS2 CE. The experimental results revealed that the MoS2/TiO2 nanocomposite influences on the power conversion efficiency by enhancing electrocatalytic activity and increasing the active surface area that serve to increase the short circuit current. This understanding can provide guidance for the development of highly efficient DSSCs with platinum-free CEs.