One-Step Synthesis of Stoichiometric Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ as Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Cu(2)ZnSnSe(4) (CZTSe) nanoparticles with diameters of 200-300 nm were synthesized by one-step solvothermal method without surfactants or templates. The structure, composition and morphology of CZTSe nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, XPS, Raman spectrum, EDS, FESEM and TEM. The results indicated that the nanoparticles were single phase and nearly stoichiometric composition. CZTSe nanoparticles drop-casted onto FTO substrate were used as counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for the first time, which exhibited Pt-like electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of I(3)(-) to I(-) in DSSCs. The J-V results demonstrated that the thickness of the film affected the photocurrent density and fill factor remarkably, which resulted from the difference of electrocatalytic sites and resistance with different thickness films. And a best efficiency of 3.85% was obtained by adjusting the film thickness. The work presents a new approach for developing low-cost, facile fabrication CZTSe nanoparticles, and demonstrates CZTSe can be explored as a low-cost alternative for expensive and scare Pt in DSSCs.

Few-Layer MoSe2 Possessing High Catalytic Activity towards Iodide/Tri-iodide Redox Shuttles

“…To date, many efforts have been made to the development of alternative catalyst and FTO-free conducting substrate16. Some of the materials based on carbon17181920, inorganic semiconductors (ceramics)21222324252627 and polymer28 show promising catalytic properties to replace the conventional Pt nanoparticles. However, the attempts on the development of FTO-free conducting substrate have not been successful.…”

In-Situ and Green Method To Prepare Pt-Free Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) Counter Electrodes for Efficient and Low Cost Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…23 A spin-coated method with post annealed in an N 2 gas was used to prepare ultrathin CZTS thin film CE, with the η of 5.63%. 24 In addition, porous CZTS thin film was in-situ prepared on Mo substrate via a solvothermal approach, with 500 o C sulfurization following, yielding an efficiency of 1.23% (Pt= 1.15%).…”

“…25 However, most of the above reported strategy has a number of limitations, such as multiple steps (relying on coating method and post-annealing), and rigorous synthesis conditions (excessive organic ligands or sulfurization). [21][22][23][24][25][26] Therefore, it is still a great challenge to develop a simple, environment friendly and feasible method to synthesize stable CZTS thin film on FTO substrate.…”

Synthesis and characterization of hexagonal faceted copper sulfide (Cu1.8S) nanodisks

“…Metal chalcogenide nanoparticles are used in wide range of applications such as low cost solar cells [1], sensors [2], catalysis [3], photothermal therapy [4] etc. Comparing the other group of copper chalcogenides, copper sulfide (Cu 2 À x S) nanoparticles received renewed attention since they are cost effective and environmentally benign material with excellent physical and chemical properties.…”