Article 2021 · 12 citations

Photovoltaic performance of non-covalent functionalized single-layer graphene in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

Igman, Erdal, Bayram, Ozkan, Mavi, Ahmet, Hasar, Ugur Cem, Simsek, Onder

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to fabricate new effective alternative counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). For this purpose, firstly, single-layer graphene (SLG) thin films were grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Then, these films were separately functionalized with 1,8-cineole (ppCin/SLG), D-Limonene (ppLim/SLG) and Thiophene (ppTh/SLG) by plasma polymerization. Number of layers in CVD-grown graphene determined by Raman, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Chemical structures of plasma polymerised (pp) thin films were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Photovoltaic parameters of DSSCs were calculated, and electrocatalytic properties of CEs were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Polymer functionalization greatly enhanced the electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic activity properties of graphene compared to that of SLG. The efficiencies of DSSCs with ppCin/SLG and ppLim/SLG CEs were 1.10% and 1.02%, respectively. As a result, the cell efficiencies of ppCin/SLG and ppLim/SLG could be as alternative materials to platinum (Pt) counter electrode.

Keywords

RF PLASMA POLYMERIZATION COUNTER ELECTRODES THIN-FILMS CONDUCTING-POLYMER TRANSPARENT DEPOSITION OIL EFFICIENCY NANOTUBES SHEETS

WoS Categories

Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy

Citation

Journal: JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
Year: 2021
Volume: 56
Issue: 6
Pages: 4184-4196
ISSN: 0022-2461
eISSN: 1573-4803
DOI: 10.1007/s10853-020-05535-0
WoS UID: WOS:000590984500001

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