Polyaniline/Graphene Oxide as Counter Electrode for Dye Sensitized Solar Cell System

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) hold promises for replacing fossil fuels in energy production through the conversion of solar light energy. However, the use of platinum (Pt) in the fabrication of counter electrodes (CEs) for DSSCs contributes to high production costs. Developing efficient, platinum-free CEs has become a focus point for advancing DSSC technology due to drawbacks including low efficiency, high electron recombination, and stability issues that limit their performance. To address this, our innovation involves replacing Pt with a promising polyaniline/graphene oxide (PANI/GO) composite for the CE in DSSC systems. Results demonstrated that the formation of PANI/GO as the CE exhibits excellent properties, including good electrochemical performance, high conductivity, and exceptional mechanical stability, as evidenced by Raman spectra showing the formation of GO. Furthermore, modifying the CE to be Pt-free in DSSCs not only reduces costs but also simplifies the fabrication process of the DSSC system.