Heterogeneous FeNi3/NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with modified graphene as electrocatalysts for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells

The development of low cost electrocatalysts with excellent I − /I 3 − redox reaction efficiency is critically important for practical applications of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Nevertheless, it is difficult to simultaneously improve the activity and stability of catalysts. Herein, heterogeneous FeNi 3 /NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles are successfully embedded in modified graphene (mGr) matrix with network structure. As-prepared FeNi 3 /NiFe 2 O 4 @mGr shows excellent electrocatalytic activities and high stability. The DSSCs with FeNi 3 /NiFe 2 O 4 @mGr as counter electrodes demonstrate a high power conversion efficiency of 12.14%, which is superior to that of platinum (Pt, 8.31%). Also, the FeNi 3 /NiFe 2 O 4 @mGr device remains 90% efficiency up to 42 days under ambient conditions without encapsulation. Therefore, the FeNi 3 /NiFe 2 O 4 @mGr composite can be further developed as an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and efficient counter electrode material for DSSCs.