Novel 2D-AuSe nanostructures as effective platinum replacement counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Studies to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) include, but are not limited to, finding alternatives such as 2D layered materials as replacement counter electrodes (CEs) to the commonly used Pt. Herein, we report for the first time, the use of AuSe as a counter electrode for the reduction of triiodide ions (I ) to iodide ions (I). The colloidal synthesis of gold selenide nanostructures produced α-AuSe and β-AuSe dominated products as determined by XRD.

Evaluating the Effect of Varying the Metal Precursor in the Colloidal Synthesis of MoSe Nanomaterials and Their Application as Electrodes in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Herein we report on the use of different metal precursors in the synthesis of MoSe nanomaterials in order to control their morphology. The use of Mo(CO) as the metal precursor resulted in the formation of wrinkled few-layer nanosheets, while the use of HMoO as the metal precursor resulted in the formation of nanoflowers. To investigate the effect of the morphologies on their performance as catalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction, electrochemical characterization was done using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).