Photovoltaic performance of non-covalent functionalized single-layer graphene in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

İĞMAN E., BAYRAM Ö., MAVİ A., HASAR U. C., Simsek Ö.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE, cilt.56, sa.6, ss.4184-4196, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 56 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2021
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10853-020-05535-0
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, INSPEC, Metadex, Public Affairs Index, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.4184-4196
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In this study, it was aimed to fabricate new effective alternative counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). For this purpose, firstly, single-layer graphene (SLG) thin films were grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Then, these films were separately functionalized with 1,8-cineole (ppCin/SLG), D-Limonene (ppLim/SLG) and Thiophene (ppTh/SLG) by plasma polymerization. Number of layers in CVD-grown graphene determined by Raman, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Chemical structures of plasma polymerised (pp) thin films were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Photovoltaic parameters of DSSCs were calculated, and electrocatalytic properties of CEs were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Polymer functionalization greatly enhanced the electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic activity properties of graphene compared to that of SLG. The efficiencies of DSSCs with ppCin/SLG and ppLim/SLG CEs were 1.10% and 1.02%, respectively. As a result, the cell efficiencies of ppCin/SLG and ppLim/SLG could be as alternative materials to platinum (Pt) counter electrode.