Novel gamma-irradiated chitosan-doped reduced graphene-CuInS2 composites as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

To address the issues associated with traditional counter electrodes, a novel gamma-irradiated chitosan-doped reduced graphene-CuInS2 composite (Chi@RGO-CIS) was used as the counter electrode (CE). The system was fabricated following a simple hydrothermal method. The prepared Chi@RGO-CIS was charact...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:RSC advances 2022-05, Vol.12 (24), p.15427-15434
Main Authors: Areerob, Yonrapach, Hamontree, Chaowalit, Sricharoen, Phitchan, Limchoowong, Nunticha, Laksee, Sakchai, Won-Chun, Oh, Pattarith, Kongsak
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
Chitosan
Composite materials
Dye-sensitized solar cells
Dyes
Efficiency
Electrodes
Electrolytes
Electrolytic cells
Graphene
Photovoltaic cells
Synergistic effect
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Summary:To address the issues associated with traditional counter electrodes, a novel gamma-irradiated chitosan-doped reduced graphene-CuInS2 composite (Chi@RGO-CIS) was used as the counter electrode (CE). The system was fabricated following a simple hydrothermal method. The prepared Chi@RGO-CIS was characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The synergistic effect between chitosan, CuInS2, and reduced graphene oxide can help in producing a large surface area. It can also help in the generation of catalytic sites toward I-/I3-redox electrolytes. We used a composite (based on electrical considerations) to study the effect of the amount of graphene on the characteristics and photovoltaic efficiency of the Chi@RGO-CIS composites. The solar cell assembled with 1.5% Chi@RGO-CIS exhibited an efficiency of 12.21%. The efficiency was higher than that of a Pt-based device (9.96%) fabricated under the same conditions. Hence, Chi@RGO-CIS can be potentially used as the CE of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). It can be used as a substitute for Pt in DSSCs.
ISSN:2046-2069
DOI:10.1039/d2ra01749k