Synthesis of novel MoWO4 with ZnO nanoflowers on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for counter electrode application in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Novel MoWO4 with ZnO nanoflowers was synthesized on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-Z@MWCNTs) through a simple hydrothermal method, and this unique structure was applied as a counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) for the first time. The synergetic effect of ZnO nanoflowers and MoWO4 on MWCNTs was systematically investigated by different techniques. The amount of MWCNTs was optimized to achieve the best DSSC performance. It was found that the 1.5% MW-Z@MWCNTs composite structure had the highest power conversion efficiency of 9.96%, which is greater than that of traditional Pt CE. Therefore, MW-Z@MWCNTs-based CE can be used to replace traditional Pt-based electrodes in the future.

Photovoltaic Effects of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Double-Layered TiO2 Photoelectrodes and Pyrazine-Based Photosensitizers

“…The UV–vis absorption spectra of the three photosensitizers (TPP, TPPS, and TPPF) in 0.5 mM CHCl 3 solution and adsorbed onto the three types of TiO 2 photoelectrodes (SP type, D type, and SPD type) are shown in Figure . In the CHCl 3 solution, the TPP, TPPS, and TPPF photosensitizers showed two distinct absorption peaks of 338/396, 350/398, and 358/396 nm and maximum absorption wavelengths (λ max ) of 338, 350, and 358 nm, respectively . These λ max values correspond to the ICT between the triphenylamine donating unit and the cyanoacrylic acid anchoring moiety.…”

“…Three photosensitizers (TPP, TPPS, and TPPF) were used. Their syntheses and characteristics are described in the previous article . The electrolyte used was Iodolyte HI-30 that consisted of 30 mM iodide/tri-iodide in acetonitrile.…”

“…18 A 3D-TiO 2 nanorod photoelectrode was prepared, and its photovoltaic characteristics were investigated by Khakpour et al 19 Novel MoWO 4 with ZnO nanoflowers was synthesized on multi-walled carbon nanotubes through a simple hydrothermal method, and this unique structure was applied as a counter electrode for DSSCs for the first time. 20 A novel nanocomposite composed of graphene-La 2 CrFeW 6 perovskite compounds with an organic−inorganic counter electrode was developed with CdSe, gallic acid, urea, and sulfate in DSSCs by a simple hydrothermal technique. 21 The significant limiting variable for efficient DSSC is the interfacial recombination rate and interfacial charge resistance.…”

“…Chen et al reported a DSSC with a maximum conversion efficiency of 7.56% achieved with the photoelectrode consisting of a popcorn-like TiO 2 (P–TiO 2 ) layer . A 3D-TiO 2 nanorod photoelectrode was prepared, and its photovoltaic characteristics were investigated by Khakpour et al Novel MoWO 4 with ZnO nanoflowers was synthesized on multi-walled carbon nanotubes through a simple hydrothermal method, and this unique structure was applied as a counter electrode for DSSCs for the first time . A novel nanocomposite composed of graphene-La 2 CrFeW 6 perovskite compounds with an organic–inorganic counter electrode was developed with CdSe, gallic acid, urea, and sulfate in DSSCs by a simple hydrothermal technique …”

Thermoelectric, Electrochemical, & Dielectric Properties of Four ZnO Nanostructures

“…Depending on synthesized conditions, chemicals, and methods, ZnO has been fabricated with various morphologies, namely, nano springs, nanoribbons, nanorods, nanoparticles, nanoshuttles, nanotubes, nanorings, nanoflowers, nanobelts, etc. [33,[37][38][39]. Morphology and nanostructure size are some of the key parameters controlling the physical, thermal, and chemical properties of nanomaterials.…”