Enhanced photoelectric conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells by the synergetic effect of NaYF4:Er3+/Yb3+ and g-C3N4

Abstract

TiO2-NaYF4:Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -C3N4 composite photoanodes were successfully designed for the first time. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of TiO2-NaYF4:Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -C3N4 composite cell can result an efficiency of 7.37%, which is higher than those of pure TiO2 cell and TiO2-C3N4 composite cell. The enhancement of the efficiency can be attributed to the synergetic effect of NaYF4:Er 3+ /Yb 3+ and C3N4. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed that the interfacial resistance of the TiO2-dye|I3 − /I − electrolyte interface of TiO2-NaYF4:Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -C3N4 composites cell was much smaller than that of pure TiO2 cell. In addition, the TiO2-NaYF4:Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -C3N4 composite cell had longer electron recombination time and shorter electron transport time than that of pure TiO2 cell.

Co-MOF as an electron donor for promoting visible-light photoactivities of g-C3N4 nanosheets for CO2 reduction

“…The weight of residual Co-MOF remained stable up to 800 °C. In addition, the pure CN sample showed a total weight loss in the temperature range 500-680 °C, which might be attributed to the collapse of the CN nanosheets [35]. Surprisingly, the thermal stability of Co-CN2 was worse than that of CN; the main weight loss was observed between 430 °C and 510 °C, however, this was higher than that of the Co-MOF sam- ple.…”

Improved photoelectric properties of BiOBr nanoplates by co-modifying SnO2 and Ag to promote photoelectrons trapped by adsorbed O2

“…S11a (dark). Generally speaking, the smaller radius is, the lower is the interfacial resistances [28,29]. The smaller radius of 0.5Ag-1.5SO BOB-160/12 suggests the positive effect for improving the interfacial change separation through Ag modification.…”

Black phosphorus quantum dot/g-C3N4 composites for enhanced CO2 photoreduction to CO

“…Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) is one of the most promising non-metal photocatalysts for solar energy conversion to fuels due to its low cost, good stability, non-toxicity, narrow band gap (2.7 eV) and negative conduction band potential (−1.12 eV) [7][8][9][10]. The latter makes g-C 3 N 4 particularly useful for CO 2 reduction.…”