A short review on surpassing Pt with alternative counter electrodes and GQD enhancement in counter electrode

Abstract

The integration of Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) into Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) as a component of the counter electrode has significantly enhanced performance and efficiency. Various substrates, including graphene foam sheets, have been employed alongside GQDs to amplify performance, showcasing promising post-doping increments surpassing platinum (Pt) counterparts. Additionally, composite materials like tungsten disulfide-molybdenum copper oxide composite have achieved remarkable efficiencies of up to 10.38 %, outperforming traditional carbon-based and transition metal counterparts. This review analyzes various substrates used with GQDs to amplify performance, often surpassing Pt counterparts. The question of whether GQD integration truly leads to improvements remains a central inquiry. This paper evaluates the efficiency of DSSCs before and after GQD enhancement, comparing their performance with Pt counter electrodes. By scrutinizing existing literature, it aims to identify effective strategies and potential limitations in utilizing GQDs for counter electrodes, offering insights for real-world applications.