Effects of surface modification of MoS2:TiO2:Pt counter electrodes by argon plasma treatment on photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

The MoS 2 :TiO 2 :Pt counter electrode (CE) treated using argon plasma provides possibilities to improve photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The experimental results revealed that the argon plasma-treated MoS 2 :TiO 2 :Pt composite influences on the power conversion efficiency by enhancing electrocatalytic activity that serves to increase the short circuit current. The findings show the importance of plasma treatment time in achieving optimization of DSSCs. The induced conversion of chloroplatinic acid into metallic Pt on the CE surfaces by argon plasma treatment promotes the overpotential modification at the MoS 2 :TiO 2 :Pt CE/electrolyte interfaces, resulting in the increased probability of the reduction of triiodide to iodide.

Insights into MoS 2 and its composites for dye‐sensitized solar cells

“…Although, the overpotential of the device was promoted via argon plasma treatment of the CE which resulted in the fast reduction of triiodide ions in the electrolyte. 69 Interestingly, MoS 2 /PtCo composite CE exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity when compared to the conventional Pt CE and also provided low charge transfer resistance. Further, MoS 2 /PtCo alloy composite not only displayed enhanced short-circuit current but also showed excellent electrochemical stability over 100 consecutive CV cycles.…”

“…The J SC value of the device was increased with MoS 2 :TiO 2 :Pt CE owing to the enhanced electrocatalytic activity. Although, the overpotential of the device was promoted via argon plasma treatment of the CE which resulted in the fast reduction of triiodide ions in the electrolyte 69 . Interestingly, MoS 2 /PtCo composite CE exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity when compared to the conventional Pt CE and also provided low charge transfer resistance.…”

Polyaniline/Ag2S–CdS Nanocomposites as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Triiodide Reduction in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…The PANI/AC11-based electrodes served to catalyze the reduction of I3 − to I − ; thus, our research focus was primarily associated with the characteristics of the left-hand pair of peaks. The measured peak current density and overpotential losses were used to evaluate the electrocatalytic activities of the PANI/AC11-based electrodes [50]. The redox peak for the PACI-S electrode was shifted slightly toward a negative potential, relative to that for the PANI-S electrode, implying the presence of a larger overpotential loss in the former [50].…”

“…The measured peak current density and overpotential losses were used to evaluate the electrocatalytic activities of the PANI/AC11-based electrodes [50]. The redox peak for the PACI-S electrode was shifted slightly toward a negative potential, relative to that for the PANI-S electrode, implying the presence of a larger overpotential loss in the former [50]. Nevertheless, the peak current density of the PACI-S electrode was much higher than that of the PANI-S electrode.…”

WS2 and MoS2 counter electrode materials for dye‐sensitized solar cells

“…Ke et al modified the surface of MoS 2 :TiO 2 :Pt counter electrodes by using argon plasma treatment in order to improve the performance of DSSCs 207 . This surface modification increased the short‐circuit current and enhanced the electrocatalytic activity.…”