Economically synthesized NiCo2S4/reduced graphene oxide composite as efficient counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell

Exploiting efficient Pt-free counter-electrode materials with low cost and highly catalytic property is a hot topic in the field of Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Here, NiCo 2 S 4 /reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was prepared via an economical synthesis route, and the as-prepared composite exhibited comparable electrocatalytic property with the conventional Pt electrode as the counter-electrode. Notably, the introduction of RGO into the NiCo 2 S 4 counter-electrode induces a significantly promoted electrocatalytic rate towards the triiodide reduction than that of pristine NiCo 2 S 4 by increasing surface area in the composite electrode, as revealed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurement and Tafel polarization measurement. The easy synthesis, low cost and excellent electrochemical performance of the NiCo 2 S 4 /RGO composites enable themselves to serve as promising counter-electrode candidates for efficient DSCs.