Effect of electrodeposition of AuPt nanostructure thin films on the electrocatalytic activity of counter electrodes: DSSCs application

Abstract

Enormous scientific interests focused on the improvement of the electrocatalytic activity of counter electrodes for their application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this regards, we have elaborated a novel gold and platinum (AuPt) nanostructures via direct and indirect electrodeposition techniques; the first one is cyclic voltammetric, while the second one is a combination of amperometric and potentiostatic methods. The as-prepared AuPt nanomaterials, which were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, and CA, and electrochemical analysis such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel polarization were employed as counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cells. The AuPt counter electrode prepared by cyclic voltammetric technique was the best electrocatalytic activity toward \({\text{I}}_{3}^{-}/{\text{I}}^{-}\) reduction, low charge transfer resistance of 9.2 Ω cm², and good chemical and electrochemical stability in the electrolyte. The assembled cell with the Au/Pt electrode provided a maximum power density of 2.35 mW cm⁻² with an efficiency of 2.35% under back illumination of 100 mW cm⁻² and AM 1.5 G.

Graphical Abstract