Design of hierarchical MoSe2-NiSe2 nanotubes anchored on carbon nanotubes as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Background: The high cost, shortage, and instability of platinum (Pt) markedly hamper its commercialization in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Consequently, developing efficient, stable, and economic electrode materials in lieu of noble Pt is of great current priority for DSSCs. Methods: In this work, a facile hydrothermal method followed by an ultrasonication process was utilized to synthesize the hollow MoSe2--NiSe2 nanotubes anchored on carbon nanotubes (denotes as MS-NS NTs@CNTs) and was developed as an efficient counter electrode (CE) in DSSCs. The resultant of MS-NS NTs@CNTs was characterized using XRD, FESEM, EDX, TEM, and N2 adsorption-desorption. Significant findings: The combination of MS-NS NTs and CNTs provides more active sites, remarkable electric conductivity for rapid charge transfer, and an admirable catalytic property toward the reduction of triiodide. The DSSC with MS-NS NTs@CNTs achieves a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.57% and exceptional electrochemical durability with a remnant PCE of 8.69% after 72 h of illumination, better than Pt-based cell (PCE: 9.02%). These outcomes open a new avenue to fabricate low-cost electrocatalysts for their potential application in next-generation energy storage and conversion devices such as DSSCs, water splitting, fuel cells, and other electrochemical applications. (c) 2022 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study synthesized hollow MoSe2--NiSe2 nanotubes anchored on carbon nanotubes using a hydrothermal method followed by an ultrasonication process, and developed them as efficient counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The resulting nanocomposite showed high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and exceptional electrochemical durability, outperforming platinum-based cells.