Fabrication of CF/WS2/MoS2 composite counter electrodes for enhancing efficiency in fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs)

Fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs) have emerged as a promising technology for flexible and wearable electronics due to their unique structure, lightweight properties, and ease of integration. However, the high cost of conventional platinum (Pt)-based counter electrodes has limited their practical applications. In this study, we introduce a novel WS ₂/MoS ₂ composite counter electrode for FDSSCs fabricated via a simple electrodeposition method. The composite electrode exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity, high surface area, and good stability, outperforming traditional Pt electrodes and other non-precious metal catalysts. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and Tafel polarization analyses reveal that the WS ₂/MoS ₂ electrode demonstrates the lowest charge transfer resistance (R _CT = 24.42 Ω·cm ²), indicating superior catalytic activity. The FDSSCs using WS₂/MoS₂ counter electrodes achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.90 %, approximately 6 % higher than Pt-based cells, along with excellent flexibility and long-term durability, maintaining 90.1 % of their initial efficiency after 1080 hours. These results suggest that WS ₂/MoS ₂ composite electrodes offer a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to Pt, paving the way for the development of next-generation flexible and wearable energy devices.