Self‐Assembled Graphene/MWCNT Bilayers as Platinum‐Free Counter Electrode in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

• DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201900714
• Publication Date: 2019-12-04T17:41:56Z
• Authors: Ruri Agung Wahyuono; Guobin Jia; Jonathan Plentz; Andrea Dellith; Jan Dellith; Felix Herrmann‐We...; Martin Seyring; Martin Presselt; Gudrun Andrä; Markus Rettenmayr; Benjamin Dietzek
• Keywords: Auxiliary electrode

Abstract We describe the preparation and properties of bilayers graphene‐ multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an alternative to conventionally used platinum‐based counter electrode for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The electrodes were prepared by a simple easy‐to‐implement double self‐assembly process. allows controlling surface roughness in layer‐by‐layer deposition. Annealing under N 2 atmosphere improves electrode's conductivity catalytic activity graphene MWCNTs reduce I 3 − species within electrolyte DSSC. performance different counter‐electrodes is compared ZnO photoanode‐based DSSCs. Bilayer show higher power conversion efficiencies than monolayer or electrodes. bilayer (bottom)/MWCNTs (top) electrode‐based DSSC exhibits maximum efficiency 4.1 % exceeding reference with thin film platinum (efficiency 3.4 %). In addition, self‐assembled are mechanically stable, which enables their recycling DSSCs fabrication without significant loss cell performance.