Catalytic flower-shaped α-MoO3 lamellar structure for solid-state fiber-dye-sensitized solar cells

Herein, we report a novel micro-flower lamellar structured alpha-MoO3 counter electrode for solid-state fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells. The alpha-MoO3 sol-gel precursor, which is Tricarbonyltris (propionitrile) molybdenum, fabricates the alpha-MoO3 microstructures by applying Joule heating. Cyclic voltammetry and Tafel polarization results indicate that the alpha-MoO3 counter electrode with micro-flower lamellar has higher catalytic activity than pristine Pt. Therefore, based on the efficient reduction reaction of triiodide ions, the novel alpha-MoO3 counter electrode with flower-structure could enhance short-circuit current with high power conversion efficiency (PCE). Furthermore, the device with the alpha-MoO3 counter electrode provides better device stability and flexibility. Under 500 bending cycles, the PCE of the novel alpha-MoO3 counter electrode device maintains more than 90% characteristics, while the bare Pt device reduces to 70%.

Automated summary

The novel micro-flower lamellar structured alpha-MoO3 counter electrode shows higher catalytic activity, improved power conversion efficiency, better device stability, and enhanced flexibility for solid-state fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells. Additionally, it maintains over 90% of its characteristics after 500 bending cycles, in contrast to the bare Pt device which decreases to 70%.