Comparative performance of single and binary metal selenides in dye-sensitized solar cells

• Published in: Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry
• Main Author: Najihah M.Z.; Saaid F.I.; Noor I.M.; Woo H.J.; Hisam R.; Winie T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85185109326&doi=10.1007%2fs10008-024-05835-4&partnerID=40&md5=b38c2c8527321f3b946b2d262ccd0cae
• ISSN: 14328488
• DOI: 10.1007/s10008-024-05835-4

Iron selenide (FeSe2), cobalt selenide (Co3Se4), and iron cobalt selenide (FeCo2Se4) have been synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal process. The formation of FeSe2, Co3Se4, and FeCo2Se4 has been proven by sample characterization to support their catalytic activity as the counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP)/propylene carbonate (PC)/1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME)/1-methyl-3-propyl imidazolium iodide (MPII)/sodium iodide (NaI)/iodine (I2) gel electrolytes were assembled into DSSCs with FeCo2Se4, FeSe2, Co3Se4, or platinum (Pt) as the counter electrode. The DSSC with FeCo2Se4 counter electrode shows an efficiency of 8.55%, whereas Pt counter electrode shows an efficiency of 7.06%. The highest performance of DSSC achieved with FeCo2Se4 can be attributed to its highest surface area and pore volume. Hence, FeCo2Se4 can be used as a Pt-free counter electrode for high-performance DSSCs. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.