Effect of Molybdenum Disulfide on the Performance of Polyaniline Based Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells are gaining interest in the aerospace industry, extending their applications from solar-powered drones to origami-style space-based solar power stations due to their flexibility, light weightiness, and transparency. The major issue with its widespread commercial use is the employment of expensive Pt-based counter electrodes. In this study, an attempt has been made to replace the Pt with Polyaniline (PANI)/Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) nanocomposite. The nanocomposites i.e., PANI-0.5wt% MoS2, PANI-2wt%MoS2, PANI-5wt%MoS2, and PANI-7wt%MoS2and PANI-9wt%MoS2, have been synthesized and compared with standard Pt-based CE. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction methods have been utilized to study both surface morphology and structural composition. Fourier transform infrared has also been used to identify redox-active functionalities. Electron impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry have been employed to study electron transfer and catalytic activity. Finally, I-V testing has been conducted using a sun simulator. A maximum efficiency of 8.12% has been observed with 7wt% MoS2 in the PANI matrix at 6 µm thickness, which is 2.65% higher compared to standard Pt-based CE (7.91%). This is due to high electronic conduction with the addition of MoS2, improved catalytic activity, and the high surface area of the PANI nano-rods.

Recent Advances in Functional Polymer Materials for Energy, Water, and Biomedical Applications: A Review

“…Polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene, and polyaniline are examples of intrinsically conducting polymer ICPs. Among the existing conducting polymers, polyaniline has attracted considerably more attention than other types of polymers in recent years because of its superior properties, which include its ease of synthesis, unvarying conduction mechanism, and superior resistance to the effects of oxygen and water [75][76][77]. Recently, new types of conducting polymers have appeared and have proven to be effective in several fields and applications.…”

Iron alloying improved electrocatalytic activity of Cu2Cu1−xFexSnS4 counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells

“…Hence, the CE must be a good conductor and electrocatalyst to allow the easy transfer of electrons through the CE/electrolyte interface and catalyze reduction of the redox couple. Platinum (Pt) CEs have been widely used due to its good electrical conductivity and excellent electrocatalytic activity [5,[8][9][10]. However, Pt is a rare precious metal and has poor corrosion resistance in liquid electrolytes [11].…”