研究目的
To demonstrate a promising and facile route to attain an earth-abundant, high-conductivity Pt-free flexible counter electrode (CE) with controllable catalytic activity via the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO as the nanoscale sacrificial template for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
研究成果
The study successfully developed an effective and facile route for achieving a high-conductivity carbon cloth with superior catalytic activity as a flexible counter electrode in DSSCs through the carbothermic reduction of atomic layer deposited ZnO. The DSSC using the activated carbon cloth via this approach exhibited an improved conversion efficiency by 79% compared to pristine carbon cloth, opening up new possibilities for flexible photoelectrochemical cells.
研究不足
The study is limited by the need for optimization of the interfacial condition between the FTO and activated carbon cloth to improve the fill factor (FF) and conversion efficiency of the DSSC. Additionally, the high charge-transfer resistance of the adhesive carbon paste partially blocks the catalytic sites of the activated carbon cloth.
1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:
The study utilized atomic layer deposition (ALD) to deposit ZnO on carbon cloth as a nanoscale sacrificial template, followed by carbothermic reduction to activate the carbon cloth surface. The catalytic activity was tailored by varying the ALD cycles.
2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:
Carbon cloth was used as the substrate for ZnO deposition. The samples were characterized using SEM, EDS, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and electrochemical measurements.
3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
Equipment included a thermal field emission scanning electron microscope (JEOL JSM-7800F), energy dispersive spectrometer, 3D laser Raman microspectroscopy system (Nanofinder 30), CHI electrochemical analyzer, Zahner electrochemical workstation, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, PHI 5000 VersaProbe). Materials included carbon cloth, diethyl zinc (DEZn), water, and various chemicals for DSSC fabrication.
4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
The carbon cloth was decorated with ZnO via ALD using different cycles, followed by carbothermic reduction. The activated carbon cloth was then used as a CE in DSSCs, and their performance was evaluated.
5：Data Analysis Methods:
The catalytic activity was assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), and the DSSC performance was evaluated through current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
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