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Design and fabrication of NiSe2/g-C3N4 hybrid composite counter electrode for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to illustrate the feasibility of Pt-free Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) at a reduced cost. To achieve this, we employed a straightforward ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method to synthesize composites consisting of NiSe2 and different concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20% of graphitic carbon nitride (NiSe2/g-C3N4). These composites serve as electrocatalysts in the process of reducing tri-iodide to iodide within the DSSCs. The XRD, TEM, UV, Raman, and XPS spectra were employed to analyze the crystalline structure, morphology, and quantum states of these materials. NS-GN20 exhibited a high level of optical transmittance in the visible region, while a decrease in the optical bandgap was observed as the concentration of GN increased, decreasing from 1.82 to 1.56 eV. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis of NS-GN20 electrodes revealed a more rapid reduction of triiodide ions at the electrode/electrolyte interface compared to the other electrodes. The 20% graphitic carbon nitride decorated NiSe2 composite counter electrode outperformed the others with a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.54%, accompanied by a short-circuit current (JSC) of 16.1 mA cm−2 and an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.686 V. The overall enhancement in photovoltaic performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of highly catalytic NiSe2 nanoparticles and the electrically conductive graphitic carbon nitride. Therefore, NiSe2/g-C3N4 hybrid composite is expected to be an efficient and cost-effective CE material for DSSCs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, A.V.C.College of Engineering, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, 609305, India

    N. Dhanasekar

  2. Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Saveetha Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602105, India

    M. Vanitha

  3. Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Erode, Tamil Nadu, 638401, India

    N. Shankar

  4. Departments of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India

    M. Bindhu

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Dr. N. Dhanasekar, performed data collection and formal analysis. The first draft of the manuscript written by Dr. M. Vanitha. Dr. N. Shankar performed review and editing process. M. Bindhu performed material design, planning and data validation, as well as reviewing and editing the manuscript. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Dhanasekar, N., Vanitha, M., Shankar, N. et al. Design and fabrication of NiSe2/g-C3N4 hybrid composite counter electrode for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 35, 443 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-024-12251-x

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