Dye-sensitized solar cells based on low-cost nanoscale SnO2@RGO composite counter electrode

SnO2@RGO nanoparticles were successfully fabricated via a one-step solvothermal technique and used as an alternative to Pt counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The SnO2 nanoparticles were dispersed on graphene sheets uniformly, forming a nanoscale composite system. The electrochemical performance analysis indicated that the SnO2@RGO electrode exhibited remarkable electrocatalytic property on reducing the triiodide. Due to the synergetic effect of SnO2 nanoparticles dispersed on graphene sheets, the DSSC based on low-cost nanoscale SnO2@RGO composite counter electrode achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.78%, which was much higher than that of either pure SnO2 nanoparticles (4.88%) or graphene sheets alone (3.171%) as CEs. This value was about 94% of the Pt CE (7.22%). (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.