Abstract
The objective of this study is to replace the platinum catalyst normally used in the counter electrode of dye-sensitized solar cells by a low cost activated carbon (AC)/TiO2 nanocomposite. The counter electrodes were prepared by varying the composition of activated carbon (AC) in the AC/TiO2 nanocomposites. The TiO2 anatase paste was used as a binder to hold the carbon nanoparticles together. The morphological properties of composite counter electrodes were analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Solar cells with composite counter electrodes were characterized for photocurrent-voltage relation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The results indicate that the efficiency of solar cells is highly dependent on the concentration of activated carbon in the counter electrode. The optimal performance of the solar cell was observed for the counter electrode containing 10% activated carbon showing J(SC) = 15.834 mA cm(-2), V-oc = 700 mV, Rs = 49 Omega, FF = 55, and eta = 6.04%. These photovoltaic parameters are comparable with J(SC) = 14.638 mA cm(-2), V-oc = 810 mV, Rs = 43 Omega, FF = 60, and eta = 7.0% for the platinum based dye sensitized solar cell. (C) 2016 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.