Synthesis of novel MoWO4 with ZnO nanoflowers on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for counter electrode application in dye-sensitized solar cells

Novel MoWO4 with ZnO nanoflowers was synthesized on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-Z@MWCNTs) through a simple hydrothermal method, and this unique structure was applied as a counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) for the first time. The synergetic effect of ZnO nanoflowers and MoWO4 on MWCNTs was systematically investigated by different techniques. The amount of MWCNTs was optimized to achieve the best DSSC performance. It was found that the 1.5% MW-Z@MWCNTs composite structure had the highest power conversion efficiency of 9.96%, which is greater than that of traditional Pt CE. Therefore, MW-Z@MWCNTs-based CE can be used to replace traditional Pt-based electrodes in the future.

Automated summary

A novel MoWO4 with ZnO nanoflowers was synthesized on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and used as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells for the first time. The synergetic effect of ZnO nanoflowers and MoWO4 on MWCNTs was investigated and optimized, resulting in a composite structure with the highest power conversion efficiency of 9.96%. Therefore, the MW-Z@MWCNTs-based CE shows potential to replace traditional Pt-based electrodes in the future.