Graphene nanoplatelets outperforming platinum as the electrocatalyst in co-bipyridine-mediated dye-sensitized solar cells

Nano Lett. 2011 Dec 14;11(12):5501-6. doi: 10.1021/nl203329c. Epub 2011 Nov 29.

Abstract

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in the form of thin semitransparent films on F-doped SnO2 (FTO) exhibit high electrocatalytic activity for the Co(bpy)3(3+/2+) redox couple in acetonitrile electrolyte solution. The GNP film is superior to the traditional electrocatalyst, that is, platinum, both in charge-transfer resistance (exchange current) and in electrochemical stability under prolonged potential cycling. The good electrochemical performance of GNP is readily applicable for dye-sensitized solar cells with Y123-sensitized TiO2 photoanodes and Co(bpy)3(3+/2+) as the redox shuttle. The dye-sensitized solar cell with GNP cathode is superior to that with the Pt-FTO cathode particularly in fill factor and in power conversion efficiency at higher illumination intensity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 2,2'-Dipyridyl / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry*
  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electrodes
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Solar Energy

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • 2,2'-Dipyridyl
  • Graphite