Nickel Telluride Quantum Dots as a Counter Electrode for an Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Abstract

Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently emerged as highly appealing and efficient options for electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), effectively substituting the scarce and expensive metal platinum (Pt). In this work, nickel telluride (NiTe 2 ) quantum dots (QDs) were effectively used as a counter electrode for DSSCs by providing a sustainable alternative to the scarce platinum (Pt). The DSSC based on NiTe 2 QDs shows a power conversion efficiency (η) of ∼8.06%, which is comparatively better than exfoliated NiTe 2 (η ≈ 6.58%). The density functional theory (DFT) was employed to comprehensively understand the underlying mechanisms involved in the charge transfer between the QDs and the electrolyte species. The outcomes demonstrated the benefits of creating diverse structural configurations designed to enhance interfacial transport, ensure an even distribution of active facets, and improve the electrocatalytic performance in the DSSC process.

Strain-Induced Tribocatalytic Activity of 2D ZnO Quantum Dots

“…QDs are more photocatalytically capable than their bulk counterparts and have characteristics ranging between those of discrete molecules and bulk semiconductors. A large variety of QD materials, such as transition-metal dichalcogenides, metal oxides, and metal carbides, have been studied widely to develop catalysts to improve photocatalytic efficiency. Among these, 2D metal oxide (MO)-based QDs are the most stable members with several advantages such as high surface activities, presence of unsaturated dangling bonds on the surface, nonuniform distribution of surface charge, etc.…”