ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Strategic design and fabrication of rGO encapsulated single phase CdFe₂O₄ nanohybrid for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells

C. Vanitha, M. Raja, A. Alvin Kalicharan, and K. Sudhakar

Department of Chemistry, Vel Tech Multi Tech Dr. Rangarajan Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Chennai, India

E-mail: vanithachem83@gmail.com

Received: 23 March 2024  Accepted: 20 July 2024

Abstract:

Recently, Pt-free counter electrodes (CEs) have emerged as cost-effective alternatives for components in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), garnering significant interest in the field. In this regard, we have developed a novel hybrid composite consisting of 2D spinel phase CdFe₂O₄ and 2D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets through a one-step ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method to serve as the CE for dye-sensitized solar cells. The crystallinity, morphology and textural properties of the composites were analyzed in detail using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscope, N₂ adsorption–desorption, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy techniques. The findings obtained through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and Tafel polarization measurements indicated that the CdFe₂O₄/rGO demonstrated robust electrocatalytic activity, enabling effective I⁻/I₃⁻ redox reactions and notably reduced charge transfer resistance in comparison with pristine CdFe₂O₄. Specifically, the DSSC utilizing the CdFe₂O₄/rGO CE attains a power conversion efficiency of 8.52%, significantly surpassing the efficiencies of 4.02%, 5.21%, and 6.64% observed in solar cells employing CdFe₂O₄, CdFe₂O₄-rG1, and CdFe₂O₄-based counter electrodes, respectively. Therefore, the CdFe₂O₄/rGO hybrid composite serves as a cost-effective alternative to high-cost Pt as a CE, thereby facilitating cost-efficiency in DSSCs in the future.

Keywords: CdFe2O4/rGO; Counter electrode; Pt-free; DSSCs

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-024-03621-0

Chemical Papers 78 (13) 7595–7609 (2024)