Effect of molybdenum disulfide on the performance of polyaniline based counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

• Main Authors: Ghafoor, Usman, Aqeel, Anas Bin, Zaman, Uzair Khaleeq Uz, Zahid, Taiba, Noman, Muhammad, Ahmad, Muhammad Shakeel
• Format: Article
• Published: MDPI 2021
• Subjects: QD Chemistry; TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering; TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/28305/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Dye-sensitized solar cells are gaining interest in the aerospace industry, extending their applications from solar-powered drones to origami-style space-based solar power stations due to their flexibility, light weightiness, and transparency. The major issue with its widespread commercial use is the employment of expensive Pt-based counter electrodes. In this study, an attempt has been made to replace the Pt with Polyaniline (PANI)/Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) nanocomposite. The nanocomposites i.e., PANI-0.5wt% MoS2, PANI-2wt%MoS2, PANI-5wt%MoS2, and PANI-7wt%MoS(2)and PANI-9wt%MoS2, have been synthesized and compared with standard Pt-based CE. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction methods have been utilized to study both surface morphology and structural composition. Fourier transform infrared has also been used to identify redox-active functionalities. Electron impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry have been employed to study electron transfer and catalytic activity. Finally, I-V testing has been conducted using a sun simulator. A maximum efficiency of 8.12% has been observed with 7wt% MoS2 in the PANI matrix at 6 mu m thickness, which is 2.65% higher compared to standard Pt-based CE (7.91%). This is due to high electronic conduction with the addition of MoS2, improved catalytic activity, and the high surface area of the PANI nano-rods.