Strategic Design of Vacancy-Enriched FeS Nanoparticles Anchored on FeC-Encapsulated and N-Doped Carbon Nanotube Hybrids for High-Efficiency Triiodide Reduction in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

A new class of hybrids with the unique electrocatalytic nanoarchitecture of FeS anchored on FeC-encapsulated and N-doped carbon nanotubes (FeS/FeC-NCNTs) is innovatively synthesized through a facile one-step carbonization-sulfurization strategy. The efficient synthetic protocols on phase structure evolution and dynamic decomposition behavior enable the production of the FeS/FeC-NCNT hybrid with advanced structural and electronic properties, in which the Fe vacancy-contained FeS showed the 3d metallic state electrons and an electroactive Fe in +2/+3 valence, and the electronic structure of the CNT was effectively modulated by the incorporated FeC and N, with the work function decreased from 4.85 to 4.

General Strategy for Controlled Synthesis of NiP/Carbon and Its Evaluation as a Counter Electrode Material in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Hydrothermal treatment of nickel acetate and phosphoric acid aqueous solution followed with a carbothermal reduction assisted phosphorization process using sucrose as the carbon source for the controlled synthesis of NiP/C was successfully realized for the first time. The critical synthesis factors, including reduction temperature, phosphorus/nickel ratio, pH, and sucrose amount were systematically investigated. Remarkably, the carbon serves as a reducer and plays a determinative role in the transformation of NiPO into NiP/C.

Construction of Highly Catalytic Porous TiOPC Nanocomposite Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Developing low-cost, durable, and highly catalytic counter electrode (CE) materials based on earth-abundant elements is essential for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this study, we report a highly active nanostructured compositional material, TiOPC, which contains titanium, oxygen, phosphorus, and carbon, for efficient CE in I/I electrolyte. The TiOPC nanocomposites are prepared from carbon thermal transformation of TiPO in an atmosphere of nitrogen at high temperature, and their catalytic performance is regulated by changing the carbon content in the nanocomposites.