Novel 2D-AuSe nanostructures as effective platinum replacement counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells
Esmie Mposa, Rudo K. Sithole, Zakhele B. Ndala, Grace N. Ngubeni, Kalenga P. Mubiayi, Poslet Shumbula, Lerato Machogo-Phao, Nosipho Moloto
Abstract
) for the α-AuSe CE was also more favourable with a value of 532 mV over that of the β-AuSe CE of 739 mV however, both values were larger than that of the Pt CE, which was found to be 468 mV. The EIS and Tafel plot data showed that α-AuSe had the best catalytic activity compared to β-AuSe and was comparable to Pt. The DSSC using α-AuSe as a CE had the highest PCE (6.94%) as compared to Pt (4.89%) and β-AuSe (3.47%). The lower efficiency for Pt was attributed to the poorer fill factor. With these novel results, α-AuSe is an excellent candidate to be used as an alternative CE to Pt in DSSCs.
Topics & Concepts
Dye-sensitized solar cellAuxiliary electrodePlatinumElectrodeMaterials scienceChemistryInorganic chemistryCatalysisPhysical chemistryBiochemistryElectrolyteTiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar CellsAdvanced Photocatalysis TechniquesQuantum Dots Synthesis And Properties