Abstract
A flower-like molybdenum disulfide microspheres and various carbon materials (acetylene black, vulcan carbon, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and rice husk ash) incorporated MoS2 microsphere materials were synthesized via convenient single-step hydrothermal method. The obtained MoS2/C materials provide cost-effective and Pt free counter electrodes for DSSCs. Phthaloylchitosan-based polymer electrolyte was used as an electrolyte for DSSCs. The phase formation and purity of the synthesized materials were ascertained by powder X-ray diffractometer. The shape, morphology, and the distribution of the carbon materials in MoS2 microspheres were examined by electron microscope measurements. The electrochemical measurements were revealed that the carbon materials incorporated MoS2 electrode hold low charge transfer resistance at the counter electrode/electrolyte interface and demonstrate high electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of I-3 (-) to I(-)ions. Among different carbon materials studied, MoS2 doped on CNF offered a positive synergistic effect for the electrocatalytic reduction of I-3 (-). The DSSC fabricated with MoS2/CNF CE and phthaloylchitosan-based polymer electrolyte shown a high power conversion efficiency of 3.17 %, whereas pure MoS2 CE showed only 1.04 %. The present study validates the application of carbon incorporated MoS2 as a potential CE in DSSCs.