Cu2NiSnS4/Graphene Nanohybrid as a newer counter electrode to boost-up the photoconversion efficiency of dye sensitized solar cell

Abstract

In the present work, we prepared quaternary chalcogenide (Cu2NiSnS4) nanoparticles and electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG) nanosheets to use as a nanohybrid counter electrode for Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The structural analysis revealed that the crystallite size of Cu2NiSnS4 in its nanohybrid is smaller than the pristine Cu2NiSnS4 nanoparticles. Further, it is observed from the morphological studies that the Cu2NiSnS4 nanoparticles are decorated uniformly over the wrinkled graphene nanosheets. The electrochemical behavior of these materials is analyzed by AC impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Tafel polarization studies demonstrating the positive synergetic effect of graphene and Cu2NiSnS4in Cu2NiSnS4/Graphene nanohybrid. Due to the exceptional electrontransfer pathway of graphene and the excellent catalytic ability of Cu2NiSnS4 nanoparticles, the prepared nanohybrid exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity towards tri-iodide reduction than the pristine Cu2NiSnS4nanoparticles and graphene nanosheets. The DSSC fabricated using Cu2NiSnS4/graphene nanohybrid counter electrode shows a higher photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.92% than that fabricated using std. Pt (7.68%) and the prepared pristine Cu2NiSnS4CE (7.20%).

Multifunctional Structure-Modified Quaternary Compounds Co9Se8–CuSe2–WSe2 Mixed with MWCNT as a Counter Electrode Material for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Carbon-based materials such as MWCNT and graphene have been gaining attention due to their high electrical conductivity and large surface area. − Several research papers have reported to utilize these materials for the CE of DSSCs. − For example, Tapa et al synthesized a metal–organic framework (MOF) derived selenide from a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/structured zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) . The resulting material took the form of porous nanowires enveloped in a carbon matrix and was mixed with polystyrenesulfonate-doped poly­(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT/PSS) as CE material of DSSCs.…”

Bismuth sulfide/carbon black: as a pt free and efficient counter electrode in DSSC

“…Furthermore, these materials exhibit commendable stability and are readily accessible [24,25]. A significant, study was conducted by Jeniffa et al [26] clearly demonstrated the successful production of quaternary chalcogenide in conjunction with graphene nanoparticles. This research demonstrated a notable improvement in catalytic activity.…”

NiOx/PANI nanocomposite doped carbon paste as electrode for long-term stable and highly efficient perovskite solar cells

“…Photovoltaic devices are recognized as an innovative energy source. Current solar cell generations that utilize solution-based methods, such as organic, dye-sensitized, quantum dot, and perovskitebased technologies, [1][2][3][4] have made signicant advances in recent years compared to traditional silicon-and thin-lm-based solar cells. 5,6 Metal halide perovskite solar cells have been extensively studied, have shown considerable performance improvements, and are the subject of further commercial investigation.…”