Dye-sensitized solar cells based on WS2 counter electrodes

Abstract In this study, WS 2 films were prepared by doctor-blading technique and introduced into dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) system as counter electrodes. To improve the electron conductivity and bonding strength between the active material and substrate, TiO 2 (P25) and carbon nanoparticles were added in the WS 2 films. We compared the electrochemical catalytic activity of WS 2 with Pt for the reduction of triiodide to iodide by measuring cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The DSCs assembled with WS 2 /P25/C counter electrodes showed a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 4.56%. Our study indicates that WS 2 is a good candidate to replace the Pt counter electrodes in DSCs.