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Carbon nanohorns functionalized PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites for dye sensitized solar cell applications

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Abstract

Single wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNH) functionalized poly 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene:Polystyrene sulphonate (PEDOT:PSS) composites were developed by reaction of PEDOT:PSS with different weight ratio (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 wt%) of SWCNH, used as counter electrodes for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Transmission electron microscopy confirms “dahlia” like flowers or buds, having an overall diameter of tens of nm. Cyclic-voltammetric studies of 0.3 wt% composite gives faster I−/I3 − reaction rate, high surface area. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed series resistance (RS) and charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 0.3 wt% composite DSSC of 20.93, 83.79 Ω respectively, these values were lower compared with the other DSSCs. Photocurrent density–voltage measurements shown the enhanced conversion efficiency (η) of 4.70 % for 0.3 wt% composite, whereas for pure PEDOT:PSS η = 3.66 % and pristine SWCNH of η = 1.94 %. The improved conversion efficiency was due to the combinational superior electrocatalytic activity, reduced RS, Rct. This study reveals PEDOT:PSS with SWCNH composite films were possible low cost catalysts for DSSC applications.

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Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), India, through fast track scheme for young scientist award (# SR/FTP/PS-111/2010). Author M.R. Grateful to Prof. Prathap Haridoos, IIT, Madras for provide of SWCNH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, India

    K. Susmitha & M. Raghavender

  2. Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, India

    M. Mamatha Kumari

  3. Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, IIT, Madras, India

    M. Mamatha Kumari

  4. TKR College of Engineering and Technology, Meerpet, Hyderabad, India

    M. Naresh Kumar

  5. Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India

    L. Giribabu

  6. Department of Chemistry, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, India

    J. Theerthagiri & J. Madhavan

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  1. K. Susmitha
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  4. L. Giribabu
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  6. J. Madhavan
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  7. M. Raghavender
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Correspondence to M. Raghavender.

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Susmitha, K., Mamatha Kumari, M., Naresh Kumar, M. et al. Carbon nanohorns functionalized PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites for dye sensitized solar cell applications. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 27, 4050–4056 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-015-4261-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-015-4261-z

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