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Fabrication of graphitic carbon nitride-decorated MoSe2 hybrid nanocomposite as an efficient counter electrode for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

A. Janaki Ramya, R. K. Rajakarthikeyan, S. Kumaran, and S. Leones Sherwin Vimalraj

Department of Physics, University College of Engineering, BIT Campus, Tiruchirappalli, India

 

E-mail: renipapu@gmail.com

Received: 11 August 2023  Accepted: 23 November 2023

Abstract:

Here, g-C3N4 incorporated MoSe2 is synthesized as novel counter electrode material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) through a combination of ultrasonic and a straightforward hydrothermal process. The synthesized pristine MoSe2, g-C3N4 and MoSe2-gC3N4 hybrid composite were characterized by various physical and electrochemical analyses. Powder X-ray diffraction results reveal that MoSe2 nanoparticles with hexagonal structure and the results are matched well with the standard value JCPDS no. 29–0914. The transmission electron microscopy analysis highlights a hierarchical structure observed in the synthesized MoSe2/g-C3N4 composite samples, showcasing the secure anchoring of MoSe2 nanosheets onto the g-C3N4 substrate. The hybrid displayed an increased surface area of 28.37 m2/g, estimated through BET analysis, compared to the pristine MoSe2, which exhibited only 22.42 m2/g. The newly developed MoSe2-gC3N4, serving as an innovative counter electrode (CE) for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells, has exhibited a notable power conversion efficiency of 8.26%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies revealed that 20% g-C3N4-mixed MoSe2 hybrid electrodes displayed lower RCT values compared to other materials, while Tafel polarization measurements demonstrated that the hybrid exhibited the highest limiting current value. The results suggested that g-C3N4-mixed MoSe2 could function as an affordable alternative to pricey Pt as a CE in DSSCs and other electrochemical clean energy systems.

Keywords: MoSe2/g-C3N4 hybrid material; Ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method; DSSCs; Counter electrode

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-023-03268-3

 

Chemical Papers 78 (4) 2635–2647 (2024)

Sunday, December 08, 2024

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