Efficient Iron Phosphide Catalyst as a Counter Electrode in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transition metal phosphides have been demonstrated outstanding multifunctional catalysts in broad range energy conversion technologies. Here, we exploited different phases iron phosphide CEs DSSCs I–/I3–-based electrolyte. Solvothermal synthesis using triphenylphosphine precursor phosphorus source allows to grow Fe2P phase at 300 °C FeP 350 °C. The obtained were coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates heat-treated 450 under inert gas atmosphere. solar-to-current efficiency assembled reached 3.96 ± 0.06%, which comparable device platinum (Pt) CE. DFT calculations support experimental observations explain fundamental origin behind improved performance compared FeP. These results indicate that catalyst exhibits along desired stability be deployed Pt-free alternative DSSCs.