Alsharif Shada A
University College of Umlij, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia.
Nanomaterials (Basel). 2023 Nov 2;13(21):2896. doi: 10.3390/nano13212896.
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are often viewed as the potential future of photovoltaic systems and have garnered significant attention in solar energy research. In this groundbreaking research, we introduced a novel solvothermal method to fabricate a unique "grass-like" pattern on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass (FTO), specifically designed for use as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) assemblies. Through rigorous structural and morphological evaluations, we ascertained the successful deposition of nickel cobalt sulfide (NCS) on the FTO surface, exhibiting the desired grass-like morphology. Electrocatalytic performance assessment of the developed NCS-1 showed results that intriguingly rivaled those of the acclaimed platinum catalyst, especially during the conversion of I to I as observed through cyclic voltammetry. Remarkably, when integrated into a solar cell assembly, both NCS-1 and NCS-2 electrodes exhibited encouraging power conversion efficiencies of 6.60% and 6.29%, respectively. These results become particularly noteworthy when compared to the 7.19% efficiency of a conventional Pt-based electrode under similar testing conditions. Central to the performance of the NCS-1 and NCS-2 electrodes is their unique thin and sharp grass-like morphology. This structure, vividly showcased through scanning electron microscopy, provides a vast surface area and an abundance of catalytic sites, pivotal for the catalytic reactions involving the electrolytes in DSSCs. In summation, given their innovative synthesis approach, affordability, and remarkable electrocatalytic attributes, the newly developed NCS counter electrodes stand out as potent contenders in future dye-sensitized solar cell applications.
染料敏化太阳能电池（DSSCs）通常被视为光伏系统潜在的未来发展方向，并在太阳能研究中受到了广泛关注。在这项开创性研究中，我们引入了一种新颖的溶剂热法，在氟掺杂氧化锡玻璃（FTO）上制备出独特的“草状”图案，该图案专门设计用于染料敏化太阳能电池（DSSC）组件中的对电极。通过严格的结构和形态评估，我们确定了硫化镍钴（NCS）成功沉积在FTO表面，呈现出所需的草状形态。对所制备的NCS - 1进行的电催化性能评估结果显示，其表现令人惊讶地可与广受赞誉的铂催化剂相媲美，特别是在通过循环伏安法观察到的I⁻转化为I⁻的过程中。值得注意的是，当集成到太阳能电池组件中时，NCS - 1和NCS - 2电极分别展现出令人鼓舞的功率转换效率，分别为6.60%和6.29%。与在类似测试条件下传统铂基电极7.19%的效率相比，这些结果尤为显著。NCS - 1和NCS - 2电极性能的关键在于其独特的薄而尖锐的草状形态。通过扫描电子显微镜清晰展示的这种结构提供了巨大的表面积和丰富的催化位点，这对于涉及DSSCs中电解质的催化反应至关重要。总之，鉴于其创新的合成方法、经济性和卓越的电催化特性，新开发的NCS对电极在未来染料敏化太阳能电池应用中脱颖而出，成为有力的竞争者。
