High-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cell based on carbon nanotubes-modified molybdenum nitride nanoparticles counter electrode

Abstract

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC), as a type of solar energy conversion device, represent an effective approach to promote renewable energy and address the energy crisis. In this study, molybdenum oxide (MoO₂) was synthesized using a straightforward hydrothermal method with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), followed by the preparation of molybdenum nitride (Mo₂N@CNT) through a nitridation process. The study examined the effects of the nitridation process on the catalytic performance of counter electrode (CE) by analyzing the morphology, electrochemical properties, and photoelectric conversion efficiency of the composite material.

The results of electrochemical and optoelectronic performance tests demonstrate that the material has excellent I₃⁻ reduction and dye regeneration capabilities, and has better conductivity and stability after nitridation process. When Mo₂N@CNT was employed as the CE, the resulting DSSC achieved higher photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE = 8.39 %), which was higher than that of DSSC based on commercial platinum CE (PCE = 7.26 %). These findings suggest a promising direction for the development of efficient CE catalysts.