A review of transition metal sulfides as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

Kharboot, Layla Haythoor and Fadil, Nor Akmal and Abu Bakar, Tuty Asma Abu Bakar and Mohd Najib, Abdillah Sani and Nordin, Norhuda Hidayah and Ghazali, Habibah (2023) A review of transition metal sulfides as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. Materials, 16 (7). pp. 1-27. ISSN 1996-1944

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Abstract

Third-generation solar cells, including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), have been associated with low-cost material requirements, simple fabrication processes, and mechanical robustness. Hence, counter electrodes (CEs) are a critical component for the functionality of these solar cells. Although platinum (Pt)-based CEs have been dominant in CE fabrication, they are costly and have limited market availability. Therefore, it is important to find alternative materials to overcome these issues. Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have demonstrated capabilities as a more cost-effective alternative to Pt materials. This advantage has been attributed to their strong electrocatalytic activity, excellent thermal stability, tunability of bandgap energies, and variable crystalline morphologies. In this study, a comprehensive review of the major components and working principles of the DSSC and QDSSC are presented. In developing CEs for DSSCs and QDSSCs, various TMS materials synthesized through several techniques are thoroughly reviewed. The performance efficiencies of DSSCs and QDSSCs resulting from TMS-based CEs are subjected to in-depth comparative analysis with Pt-based CEs. Thus, the power conversion efficiency (PCE), fill factor (FF), short circuit current density (Jsc) and open circuit voltage (Voc) are investigated. Based on this review, the PCEs for DSSCs and QDSSCs are found to range from 5.37 to 9.80% (I−/I3− redox couple electrolyte) and 1.62 to 6.70% (S−2/Sx− electrolyte). This review seeks to navigate the future direction of TMS-based CEs towards the performance efficiency improvement of DSSCs and QDSSCs in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	dye-sensitized solar cell; quantum dot-sensitized solar cell; counter electrode; transition metal sulfide; polysulfide electrolyte; materials performance
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD169 Environmental protection T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD201 Water supply for domestic and industrial purposes
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering
Depositing User:	DR NORHUDA HIDAYAH NORDIN
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2024 12:11
Last Modified:	02 Oct 2024 12:35
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/114799

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