2-Dimensional MoS2 nanosheets as transparent and highly electrocatalytic counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells: Effect of thermal treatments

MoS2 counter electrodes obtained via spin-coating of MoS2 nanosheets followed by thermal treatment at varied temperatures were used as highly transparent counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells, and the effect of temperatures on electrocatalytic activity as well as overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs was investigated. DSSC with thermally treated MoS2 at 100 degrees C exhibited comparable PCE of 7.35% to conventional Pt contained DSSC showing 7.53%, whereas cell performance with MoS2 thermally treated at higher temperature over 300 degrees C showed significant decrease in PCE due to the chemical change of MoS2 to poor electrocatalytic Moo(3). (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.