Edge-oriented MoS<sub>2</sub> aligned on cellular reduced graphene for enriched dye-sensitized solar cell photovoltaic efficiency

doi:10.1007/s11706-018-0439-7

Front. Mater. Sci.

2018, Vol. 12

Issue (4) : 368-378 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11706-018-0439-7

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Edge-oriented MoS₂ aligned on cellular reduced graphene for enriched dye-sensitized solar cell photovoltaic efficiency

Infant RAJ, Daniel KIGEN, Wang YANG, Fan YANG, Yongfeng LI(

)

State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China

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Abstract

The counter electrode (CE) prominence in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is undisputed with research geared towards replacement of Pt with viable substitutes with exceptional conductivity and catalytic activity. Herein, we report the replaceable CE with better performance than that of Pt-based electrode. The chemistry between the graphene oxide and ice templates leads to cellular formation of reduced graphene oxide that achieves greater conductivity to the CE. The simultaneous growth of active edge-oriented MoS₂ on the CE through CVD possesses high reflectivity. High reflective MoS₂ trends to increase the electroactivity by absorbing more photons from the source to dye molecules. Thus, the synergistic effect of two materials was found to showcase better photovoltaic performance of 7.6% against 7.3% for traditional platinum CE.

Keywords dye-sensitized solar cell graphene oxide molybdenum disulfide counter electrode

Corresponding Author(s): Yongfeng LI

Online First Date: 16 November 2018 Issue Date: 10 December 2018

Cite this article:

Infant RAJ,Daniel KIGEN,Wang YANG, et al. Edge-oriented MoS₂ aligned on cellular reduced graphene for enriched dye-sensitized solar cell photovoltaic efficiency[J]. Front. Mater. Sci., 2018, 12(4): 368-378.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/foms/EN/10.1007/s11706-018-0439-7
https://academic.hep.com.cn/foms/EN/Y2018/V12/I4/368

Fig.1 Schematic procedure for the synthesis of edge-oriented MoS₂ on rGO substrate.

Fig.2 SEM images of (a) rGO, (b) MoS₂ films, and (c) MoS₂/rGO hybrid structure.

Fig.3 TEM images of (a) MoS₂ and (b) MoS₂/rGO, and (c) corresponding SAED pattern of MoS₂/rGO.

Fig.4 High resolution XPS spectra: (a) complete survey for MoS₂/rGO hybrid, MoS₂, rGO and GO; (b) Mo 3d spectra of MoS₂/rGO; (c) S 2p spectra of MoS₂/rGO.

Fig.5 High resolution XPS C1 spectra of (a) MoS₂/rGO hybrid, (b) rGO, and (c) GO.

Fig.6 Raman spectra of (a) MoS₂, (b) rGO, and (c) MoS₂/rGO.

Fig.7 (a) CV plots, (b) impedance spectra, and (c) IV curves for Pt, MoS₂, MoS₂/rGO and rGO. (d) PV efficiency performance for 20 d.

Tab.1 Electrochemical parameters for various CEs

Tab.2 Photovoltaic parameters of DSSCs using different CEs

Table S1 Comparison of efficiency of DSSCs for various synthesis routes

Table S2 Content ratio n(C)/n(O) analyses of graphene oxides on CVD annealing

Fig. S1 SEM images of rGO on FTO prepared at (a) 1 mg/mL, (b) 3 mg/mL, and (c) 5 mg/mL.

Fig. S2 SEM images of rGO on FTO prepared at (a) 200°C, (b) 300°C, (c) 400°C, (d) 500°C and (e) 600°C.

Fig. S3 XPS spectrum comparison of the prepared MoS₂/rGO hybrid and MoS₂ CEs for (a) Mo 3d and (b) S 2p.

Fig. S4 Raman spectra of rGO synthesized at various on FTO surface at various temperatures.

Fig. S5 Nyquist plots of rGO CEs prepared at various (a) concentrations and (b) temperatures. (c) CV plots of CEs prepared at various temperatures.

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