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Application of Co-Mo bimetal/carbon composite in dye-sensitized solar cells and its research on synergy mechanism

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Abstract

Bimetal/carbon aerogels have many advantages, such as nano-scale properties, low density, large specific surface area, and high porosity, but their application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a counter electrode (CE) instead of noble metal Pt is relatively rare. In this paper, a low-cost sodium alginate was used to obtain a Co-Mo bimetal/carbon composite through a simple and controlled carbonization process. Using them as CEs of ZnO-based DSSCs, the filling characteristics of dye can be effectively improved. When the Co2+/Mo2+ molar ratio is 1:3, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of Co-Mo bimetal/carbon composite–based DSSCs is close to the photoelectric conversion efficiency of Pt based, which is considered to be the result of the synergy of the carbon and two metal ions.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the facilities and staffs at the Physical and Chemical Testing Center of Xinjiang University.

Funding

This research was financially supported by the key laboratory open project of Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (2019D04006) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (51662037).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China

    Haokun Shi, Yahong Xie, Peng Wei, Huamei Chen & Yue Qiang

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  1. Haokun Shi
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  2. Yahong Xie
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  3. Peng Wei
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  4. Huamei Chen
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  5. Yue Qiang
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Correspondence to Yahong Xie.

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Shi, H., Xie, Y., Wei, P. et al. Application of Co-Mo bimetal/carbon composite in dye-sensitized solar cells and its research on synergy mechanism. J Solid State Electrochem 24, 753–759 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-020-04514-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-020-04514-4

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