Efficient dye-sensitized solar cell with affordable alternative to platinum free counter electrode

The study focuses on MnCO₃/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite to investigate its capability against reduction of triiodide (I₃⁻), and hence to utilise its potential as a platinum free electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The MnCO₃/rGO composites were prepared with varying weight percentages of rGO to identify the optimal configuration to attain enhanced catalytic performance. The MnCO₃/rGO 75 wt% composite exhibited the optimal catalytic reaction kinetics for converting triiodide (I₃⁻) to iodide (I⁻), achieving a photon to electron conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.62 %, with a photocurrent density (Jsc) of 13.29 mA cm⁻², voltage (Voc) of 0.76 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.65 at without load. This output performance is on par with that of to that of a conventional platinum (Pt) Counter Electrode, which achieved a PCE of 6.98 %. The findings indicate that MnCO₃/rGO 75 wt% composite shows significant promise, cost-effective alternative to Pt, offering efficient performance and improved material sustainability.