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Item type:Publication, Remodelling hierarchical NiCo2O4@ZnS nanorods with multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell applications(2026-12-01) ;Nukunudompanich, Methawee ;Nachaithong, Theeranuch ;Phumuen, Phatcharin ;Wannabut, WassanaKunbuala, NeeraphatA hierarchical NiCo<inf>2</inf>O<inf>4</inf>@ZnS/MWCNT (NCO@Z-MWCNTs) nanocomposite was synthesized to serve as a platinum-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The nanocomposite comprised spinel NiCo<inf>2</inf>O<inf>4</inf> nanorods, ZnS associated with the surface of the nanorods, and an interconnected multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) network, and it was synthesized via a low-temperature solution-based hydrothermal method. XRD confirmed the presence of cubic NiCo<inf>2</inf>O<inf>4</inf> and zinc blende ZnS phases, while FESEM–EDS and XPS analyses verified the incorporation of ZnS and the formation of a conductive carbon framework interconnecting adjacent nanorods. ZnS, rather than acting as an isolated catalytic component, was considered to contribute additional sulfide-related surface sites and to modulate the interfacial electronic environment of the NiCo<inf>2</inf>O<inf>4</inf> nanorods, which likely facilitated redox reactions involving the I<sup>−</sup>/I<inf>3</inf><sup>−</sup> couple. Meanwhile, the MWCNT network established continuous electron transport pathways, effectively reducing interfacial resistance and enhancing charge-transfer efficiency. Thermogravimetric and electrochemical analyses revealed enhanced thermal stability, improved redox kinetics, and a significant reduction in charge-transfer resistance compared with pristine NiCo<inf>2</inf>O<inf>4</inf>.The optimized NCO@Z–MWCNT 9wt% counter electrode achieved a power conversion efficiency of 10.03% under AM 1.5 G illumination, exceeding that of the Pt reference device (9.6%). Overall, the improved performance was attributed to the combined contributions of ZnS surface modification and the conductive MWCNT network, which together enhanced charge transport and electrocatalytic activity. This work demonstrates a scalable strategy for developing cost-effective, durable, and high-performance counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, New hybrid high performance dye-sensitized solar cells using CoNi2Se4@SiO2 core-shell integrated with graphene quantum dots as counter electrodes(2026-10-01) ;Areerob, Yonrapach ;Nachaithong, Theeranuch ;Phumuen, Phatcharin ;Wannabut, WassanaNijpanich, SupinyaA novel CoNi₂Se₄@SiO₂ core–shell nanostructure decorated with graphene quantum dots (CNS@Si–GQDs) was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and investigated as a Pt-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The optimized CNS@Si–GQDs electrode with 7 ppm GQD loading exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the I₃<sup>−</sup>/I<sup>−</sup> redox reaction, delivering a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.10%, slightly higher than that of the conventional Pt electrode (8.03%). The optimized device also achieved a high short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 18.67 mA cm<sup>−2</sup>, with a Voc of 0.75 V and a fill factor (FF) of 0.57. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the CNS@Si–GQDs (7 ppm) electrode possessed the lowest charge-transfer resistance (Rct = 241.62 Ω cm<sup>2</sup>), significantly lower than those of the 3 ppm and 5 ppm electrodes, indicating enhanced interfacial electron-transfer kinetics and catalytic activity. Tafel polarization analysis further confirmed improved exchange current density and faster triiodide reduction kinetics after GQD incorporation. The enhanced electrochemical performance was attributed to the synergistic interaction between the conductive GQD network and the CNS@SiO₂ core–shell structure, which increased the electroactive surface area, promoted electron mobility, and provided abundant catalytic active sites. Additionally, the SiO₂ interfacial layer helped suppress charge recombination and stabilize the hierarchical nanostructure. This study demonstrates a scalable, low-cost, and efficient Pt-free strategy for next-generation DSSCs and provides insights into the design of advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable solar energy conversion.
