Enhancing photovoltaic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells using nanostructured NiS/MoS2 composite counter electrodes

• Published in: Materials science in semiconductor processing 2024-04, Vol.173, p.108172, Article 108172
• Main Authors: Ayaz, Muhammad, Hijji, Mohammad, Alatawi, Ayshah S., Namazi, M.A., Mohamed Ershath, M.I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Counter electrode; DSSC; Nanostructure
• ISSN: 1369-8001; 1873-4081
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mssp.2024.108172

This study investigates the utilization of nanostructured NiS/MoS2 composites as a cost-effective and platinum-free alternative for counter electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). Employing straightforward chemical synthesis techniques, we successfully prepared NiS/MoS2 materials characterized by exceptional crystallinity and purity. By harnessing the superior attributes of NiS nanowires and MoS2 nanoparticles, such as enhanced charge transport and porosity, we engineered a highly efficient composite counter electrode. This optimized nanostructured NiS/MoS2 counter electrode significantly enhances electrocatalytic performance and charge transport properties, both crucial features for effective DSSCs. As a result, the DSSC efficiency is elevated from 5.88 % for the bare NiS counter electrode and 6.83 % for the MoS2 counterpart to approximately 8.8 %. Remarkably, this surpasses the efficiency of the gold-standard Pt counter electrode, which achieves approximately 8.1 % efficiency. This remarkable 7.5 % efficiency improvement holds great promise for the future of DSSCs, offering the potential for higher efficiency at a lower cost. •Utilization of NiS/MoS2 composites as a cost-effective platinum-free alternative CE in DSSC.•Successful preparation of pure NiS/MoS2 using simple chemical synthesis methods.•Enhanced DSSC efficiency, surpassing the performance of the Pt counter electrode.