Enhancing photovoltaic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells: A novel MWCNT@SnSe counter electrode approach

• Published in: Optical materials 2024-03, Vol.149, p.115114, Article 115114
• Main Author: Abbood, Manal A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Core-shell; Counter electrode; DSSC; MWCNT; SnSe
• ISSN: 0925-3467; 1873-1252
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2024.115114

We have introduced a novel nanostructure comprising multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) encapsulated by tin selenide (SnSe) nanoparticles in a core-shell configuration, designed for utilization as a counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Employing a facile successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method, we successfully crafted this nanostructure and fine-tuned material ratios to achieve an optimized configuration. In the optimized scenario, the DSSC exhibited an exceptional efficiency of 8.67%. This represented a noteworthy improvement of 16% compared to DSSCs utilizing a platinum (Pt) electrode with 7.48% efficiency, and substantial enhancements of 57% and 115% when compared to pristine SnSe and MWCNT CEs, which yielded efficiencies of 5.50% and 4.02%, respectively. The observed efficiency enhancement can be attributed to heightened electrocatalytic performance resulting from SnSe incorporation and increased conductivity facilitated by the electron pathways offered by the MWCNT nanostructures. The superior performance, coupled with the notable stability of the prepared CEs and the facile SILAR preparation method, introduces the proposed CE as a promising alternative to Pt in DSSCs. •Introduction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) encapsulated by tin selenide (SnSe) nanoparticles in a core-shell configuration.•Utilization of a facile successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method to fine-tune material ratios.•Achievement of an outstanding dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) efficiency of 8.67% in the optimized scenario.•Efficiency enhancement is attributed to heightened electrocatalytic performance due to SnSe incorporation and increased conductivity facilitated by the electron pathways provided by MWCNT nanostructures.