Optimized reduction of graphite oxide for highly exfoliated silver nanoparticles anchored graphene sheets for dye sensitized solar cell applications

• Published in: Electrochimica acta Vol. 265; pp. 131 - 139
• Main Authors: Kumar, Sanjeev, Singh, Rajinder, Mahajan, Aman, Bedi, R.K., Saxena, Vibha, Aswal, D.K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Counter electrode; Dye sensitized solar cell; Dye-sensitized solar cells; Dyes; Graphene; Graphite; Hydrazines; Nanoparticles; Open circuit voltage; Photovoltaic cells; Platinum; Reducing agents; Reduction; Sheets; Short circuit currents; Short circuits; Silver; Silver nanoparticles; Studies; Substrates; Titanium dioxide; Graphene; Counter electrode; Dye sensitized solar cell; Silver nanoparticles
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.01.154

In the present work, we have synthesized graphene sheets by optimizing reduction of graphite oxide (GO) by hydrazine hydrate (N2H4·xH2O) reducing agent and anchored them with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Morphological and spectroscopic studies confirmed the formation of highly exfoliated graphene sheets separated by Ag NPs with improved C/O ratio. The highly electrocatalytic and exfoliated network of graphene sheets/Ag nanocoatings uniformly adhered to FTO substrate has been utilized as platinum (Pt) free counter electrode (CE) in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Fabricated DSSC with only 2.7 μm thick TiO2 photoanode exhibited photo conversion efficiency (η = 3.44%) and short circuit current density (Jsc = 7.03 mA cm−2) comparable to DSSC containing Pt-CE without any loss of open circuit voltage (Voc = 0.71 V) and fill factor (FF = 0.68). [Display omitted] •Synthesis of highly exfoliated graphene sheets through optimized use of hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent.•Silver nanoparticles anchored graphene sheets shows highly catalytic activity and uniform adhesion on FTO substrate.•Improve electron transfer rate between electrolyte and counter electrode interface.•G(0.8 mM)/Ag nanocomposite emerges as potential material platinum free dye sensitized solar cell.