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

• Published in: JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
• Main Authors: Najihah, M. Z.; Saaid, Farish Irfal; Noor, I. M.; Woo, H. J.; Hisam, R.; Winie, Tan
• Format: Article; Early Access
• Language: English
• Published: SPRINGER 2024
• Subjects: Electrochemistry
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001161691000001

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 (I-2) 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.