Transparent graphene-based counter-electrodes for iodide/triiodide mediated dye-sensitized solar cells**

Content Provider	Semantic Scholar
Author	Cruz, Rui Araújo, João Pedro Andrade, Luísa Mendesa, Adélio
Copyright Year	2017
Abstract	Broader Context Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) have been regarded as a promising cheaper alternative to conventional photovoltaic systems. Fostering large-scale applications, many efforts have been made to replace platinum as the catalytic material of the electrocatalytic reaction that takes place at the counter-electrode (CE) side (cathode) of the DSC due to its scarce nature and high price. To date, there was no other material capable of matching Pt electrocatalytic activity for the I3−/I− redox couple (the most used electrolyte system), associated with a high optical transparency of the electrode. Although transparency is not mandatory for a DSC, it is highly appreciated as it increases the product value by enabling its use in building integrated applications (BIPV), as well as in other solutions such as tandem cells. Consequently, an important challenge emerges in order to find a proper substitute for Pt as the CE material of a DSC. Here we report the development of a novel CE capable of delivering simultaneously high efficiency and transparency for iodine-based electrolyte systems in DSCs. The presented CE is based on a structured film of oxidized graphene nanoplatelets applied over metal (nickel) nanoparticles, with a very simple manufacturing process. Both materials and processes should enable the fabrication of a cheaper DSC.
File Format	PDF HTM / HTML
Alternate Webpage(s)	https://repositorio-aberto.up.pt/bitstream/10216/82521/3/93861.1.pdf
Language	English
Access Restriction	Open
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article