Electrochemical and Structural Properties of Organic Carbon based Counter Electrode for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells /

Abstract

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are the important class of solar cells that are currently gaining the attention of scientists and researchers. The replacement of platinum based counter electrode with activated carbon can make them cost effect for different energy storage and conversion processes. In this regard, the synthesis of activated carbon from biomass is of current interest towards energy sustainability. Carbonization process largely influence the properties of biomass derived activated carbon. This study encompasses the preparation of activated carbon with extremely large surface area and high porosity from hemp using chemical activation process. Initially the hemp leaves were carbonized at 750℃ followed by the activation using H2O2. Carbonaceous counter electrode containing Hemp activated carbon (HAC) was then fabricated by Doctor Blade coating Technique on FTO glass substrate. Preparation of photoanode and ultimately assembling of DSSC were carried out. Different characterization techniques like XRD, FTIR, SEM, Raman Spectroscopy and Cyclic Voltammetry were used. The surface morphology was examined by SEM and it shows the development of regular porous structure. The surface functional groups like –OH, -COOH, -C=C/C-C were confirmed by FTIR. The crystalline and graphite nature of HAC was determined by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction technique. This study offers an environmental friendly procedure for the massive production of activated carbon from hemp.