MoS2 nanoflakes anchored MWCNTs: Counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell

Abstract

Abstract Simple chemical bath deposition method has been demonstrated to anchor MoS2 nanoflakes over ‘dip and dry’ coated thin-film of MWCNTs at room temperature (~30 ℃) to use as a counter electrode (CE) in ZnO/Eosin-Y photoanode based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as the first report. Obtained materials are well confirmed through XRD, FESEM, TEM, and XPS analysis. Two-step chemical route explores the easy way of CE fabrication. DSSCs fabricated with MoS2/MWCNTs CE have gained more than three times (0.56%) power conversion efficiency compared to the bare MWCNTs CE (0.15%). External quantum efficiency and electrochemical impedance analysis for the boost in efficiency and improved electrocatalytic activity with low charge-transfer resistance at (CE)/ electrolyte interface are well in support for the synergistic effect of MoS2 and MWCNTs.