Co-electrophoretic deposition multiwall carbon nanotubes/Pt counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cell

Maiaugree, Wasan; Pimanpang, Samuk; Towannang, Madsakorn; Rutphonsan, Phikun; Laupa, Seksan; Jarernboon, Wirat; Amornkitbamrung, Vittaya

doi:10.1143/JJAP.51.10NE20

Co-electrophoretic deposition multiwall carbon nanotubes/Pt counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cell

Author(s)

Maiaugree, Wasan

Pimanpang, Samuk

Towannang, Madsakorn

Rutphonsan, Phikun

Laupa, Seksan

Jarernboon, Wirat

Amornkitbamrung, Vittaya

Date Issued

October 1, 2012

Type

Article

DOI

10.1143/JJAP.51.10NE20

Abstract

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and platinum (Pt) were coated on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass by a direct current electrophoretic method, and were used as dye-sensitized solar cell counter electrodes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) detected the deposition of carbon nanotubes on FTO-glass. The deposition of Pt nanoparticles on carbon nanotube surfaces was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Cell efficiencies of MWCNTs, Pt and MWCNTs/Pt dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were ∼1:41, ∼8:13, and ∼8:90%, respectively. The improvement of the composited MWCNTs/Pt cell efficiency is due to the presence of both catalysts (MWCNTs and Pt) enhancing counter electrode catalytic activity as observed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and reducing charge-transfer resistance as observed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). © 2012 The Japan Society of Applied Physics.

Citation

Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 51(10 PART 2), 2012