Platinum nanoparticles/graphene composite catalyst as a novel composite counter electrode for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

We herein describe our use of a water-ethylene method to prepare a composite material consisting of platinum nanoparticles and graphene. Results obtained using XPS and XRD show that the degree of reduction of graphene was increased by the incorporation of Pt, and in addition, the increased concentration of defects was confirmed by the D/G ratio of the Raman spectra obtained. In comparison with Pt films, results obtained using CV and EIS showed that the electrocatalytic ability of the composite material was greater, and afforded a higher charge transfer rate, an improved exchange current density, and a decreased internal resistance. SEM images showed that the morphology of PtNP/ GR counter electrodes is characterized by a smooth surface, however, resulting in a lower resistance to diffusion, thereby improving the total redox reaction rate that occurs at the counter electrode. PtNP/ GR electrodes have a number of advantages over other electrodes that consist solely of graphene or Pt films, including a high rate of charge transfer, a low internal resistance, and a low resistance to diffusion. In our study, we showed that DSSCs that incorporate platinum-grafted graphene had a conversion efficiency of 6.35%, which is 20% higher than that of devices with platinized FTO.

Graphene-modified Pd/C cathode and Pd/GAC particles for enhanced electrocatalytic removal of bromate in a continuous three-dimensional electrochemical reactor

“…The PdeH bonds are based on multiple s-bonding between the hydrogen atoms and the d orbitals of the Pd atoms (Conner and Falconer, 1995). Hybridization of metal catalysts with graphene has been applied in many fields such as light emitting diodes, field-effect transistors, solar cells, supercapacitors, batteries, and sensors (Yen et al, 2011;Huang et al, 2012;Sridhar et al, 2012).…”

Platinum-Paper Micromotors: An Urchin-like Nanohybrid Catalyst for Green Monopropellant Bubble-Thrusters

“…At present, several efforts have resulted in immobilizing Pt nanoparticles onto surfaces comprised of carbon nanotubes, 44−46 graphene, 47,48 and silica, 49,50 for example. In order to excel as a viable catalytic material, Pt nanoparticles immobilized onto such substrates must display several important characteristics: (1) a high proportion of the [111] face and a tight size distribution, (2) a uniform and porous distribution across the support substrate, and (3) even in high metal loadings, high surface areas; all of which are important for optimizing the use of Pt as a monopropellant catalyst.…”

Recent Progress on the Synthesis of Graphene-Based Nanostructures as Counter Electrodes in DSSCs Based on Iodine/Iodide Electrolytes

“…In an effort to study the synergetic effects of graphene and Pt nanoparticles, Yen et al [18] mixed graphene oxide and H2PtCl6 precursor salt in an ethyleneglycol/water mixture. After heating at 120 °C, the precursor was thermally converted to Pt nanoparticles, which were adsorbed onto the surface of reduced graphene oxide.…”