Solution processed low-cost and highly electrocatalytic composite NiS/PbS nanostructures as a novel counter-electrode material for high-performance quantum dot-sensitized solar cells with improved stability

Gopi, Chandu V. V. Muralee; Venkata-Haritha, Mallineni; Ravi, Seenu; Thulasi-Varma, Chebrolu Venkata; Kim, Sang-Yong; Kim, Hee-Je

doi:10.1039/c5tc03138a

Cited by 56 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…To overcome the stability issue induced by brass foil based CEs, several groups developed novel CEs on FTO substrate to improve the stability of the cell device. 342,349,398,399,411,495 For example, Meng's group prepared two kinds of composite CEs, PbS/carbon black and CuInS2/carbon black on FTO substrate. 398,399 It was proposed that the framework of carbon black used in the composite CE together with PVDF binder provided good physical contact between nanoparticles and the FTO substrate and therefore can improve the long-term stability of the CE.…”

Section: Stability Issuementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Usually, the performance of CE is limited by the unsatisfactory function of single component material. Therefore, an efficient way to overcome the shortcoming of single materials based CEs is to fabricate composite CEs with use of multi-component materials 329,[397][398][399][400][401][402][403][404][405][406][407][408][409][410][411][412]. For example, Kamat and coworkers designed a reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-Cu2S composite CE 397.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

et al. 2018

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Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) have emerged as a promising candidate for next-generation solar cells due to the distinct optoelectronic features of quantum dot (QD) light-harvesting materials, such as high light, thermal, and moisture stability, facilely tunable absorption range, high absorption coefficient, multiple exciton generation possibility, and solution processability as well as their facile fabrication and low-cost availability. In recent years, we have witnessed a dramatic boost in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of QDSCs from 5% to nearly 13%, which is comparable to other kinds of emerging solar cells. Both the exploration of new QD light-harvesting materials and interface engineering have contributed to this fantastically fast improvement. The outstanding development trend of QDSCs indicates their great potential as a promising candidate for next-generation photovoltaic cells. In this review article, we present a comprehensive overview of the development of QDSCs, including: (1) the fundamental principles, (2) a history of the brief evolution of QDSCs, (3) the key materials in QDSCs, (4) recombination control, and (5) stability issues. Finally, some directions that can further promote the development of QDSCs in the future are proposed to help readers grasp the challenges and opportunities for obtaining high-efficiency QDSCs.

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Section: Stability Issuementioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

et al. 2018

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“…Much research has focused on metal sulfides including Bi 2 S 3 , copper sulfides (Cu x S), cobalt sulfide (CoS), iron sulfide (FeS 2 ), nickel sulfide (NiS), and lead sulfide (PbS) to function as a CE in QDSSC for effective reduction of S n 2– species to S 2– . Although these CEs enhanced the PCE and reduced the fabrication cost, the relatively long reaction time and complicated preparation steps hampered their application in photovoltaics.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In Situ Microwave‐Assisted Fabrication of Hierarchically Arranged Metal Sulfide Counter Electrodes to Boost Stability and Efficiency of Quantum Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Tsai

Dehvari

et al. 2019

Adv Materials Inter

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This study describes preparation of metal sulfide counter electrodes (CEs) through one‐pot microwave‐assisted route to improve power conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum dot‐sensitized solar cells at a lower cost. The CuS nanorods, Ni0.96S nanoparticles, and PbS nanocubes are synthesized and deposited in situ on fluorine‐doped tin oxide substrate to serve as CEs without further post‐treatment. Effects of several reaction parameters including sulfur precursor (Na2S, C2H5NS, CH4N2S), Cu concentration, reaction time, and choice of cation (Cu, Ni, Pb) on the CEs morphology, electrochemical characteristics, and PCE are studied. Furthermore, nanostructure formation and thin film growth are studied and correlated with PCE, from which morphology‐ and composition‐performance relationships can be inferred. Hierarchically assembled nanorod CuS CEs exhibit higher electrochemical stability in the S2–/Sn2– redox reaction. Together with the efficient charge transfer and higher diffusion coefficient of polysulfide redox at the electrode/electrolyte interface, deduced from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel analyses, a PCE of 8.32% is achieved for the CuS CE. The enhanced photovoltaic performance is ascribed to the 1D CuS nanorods forming a diffusive structure which decreases charge transfer impedance and facilitates regeneration of polysulfide redox leading to a higher short‐circuit current density and fill factor.

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“…As discussed above, another function of electrolyte is transporting holes to CE side for reduction reaction under the catalysis of CE materials. It should be noted that the CE plays a crucial role in determining the photovoltaic performance of QDSCs, especially for the fill factor (FF) value of the solar cells [6,28,[45][46][47][48][49] . The electrolyte reduction reaction is mainly affected by two factors: the catalytic activity of CE and the property of electrolyte redox couple.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Selenium cooperated polysulfide electrolyte for efficiency enhancement of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

Zhou

Shen

Pan

et al. 2019

Journal of Energy Chemistry

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Solution processed low-cost and highly electrocatalytic composite NiS/PbS nanostructures as a novel counter-electrode material for high-performance quantum dot-sensitized solar cells with improved stability

Abstract: The NiS/PbS as a CE achieves a higher PCE of 4.52% than the NiS (3.26%) and Pt (1.29%) CEs.

Cited by 56 publications

References 63 publications

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

In Situ Microwave‐Assisted Fabrication of Hierarchically Arranged Metal Sulfide Counter Electrodes to Boost Stability and Efficiency of Quantum Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Selenium cooperated polysulfide electrolyte for efficiency enhancement of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

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