Heterogeneous junction engineering on core-shell nanocatalysts boosts the dye-sensitized solar cell.
In this study, we successfully manipulate the heterogeneous junction at Co₃O₄-Pt core-shell cathodic nanocatalysts (C/P CNCs) by controlling the core/shell ratios. Our results indicate the cobalt core atoms would inject their valence charge to the surface Pt atoms due to the presence of extensive lattice strain in the shell region. This charge injection accelerates the redox kinetics at the catalysts surface. Consequently, compared with that using Pt nanoparticle cathode, the C/P CNCs at an optimal Pt/Co atomic ratio of 1, improves the current density and the photovoltaic efficiency of dye-sensitized soar cell (DSSC) by ∼36.3% and ∼22.9%, respectively. By combining structure and electrochemical analysis, we systematically elucidate the effects of Pt/Co (shell/core) ratios, the interplay of Co atoms on the shell structures, and the redox activity of C/P CNCs on the DSSC performance. Hereby, this study provide mechanistic insights in developing electrocatalysts for DSSC with programmable performance and reduced Pt utilization.
Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan. g9711531@oz.nthu.edu.tw s9911542@m99.nthu.edu.tw chencaeser@gmail.com tllin@mx.nthu.edu.tw chlee@mx.nthu.edu.tw.
Chiun-Yi
CY
Wu
Yu-Ting
YT
Liu
Po-Chun
PC
Huang
Tzy-Jiun Mark
TJ
Luo
Chih-Hao
CH
Lee
Yaw-Wen
YW
Yang
Ten-Chin
TC
Wen
Tsan-Yao
TY
Chen
Tsang-Lang
TL
Lin
D002384:Catalysis; D003035:Cobalt / Q000737:chemistry; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques; D004566:Electrodes; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry; D012993:Solar Energy
D004396:Coloring Agents; D010087:Oxides; D003035:Cobalt; C060728:cobalt oxide