PtRu nanofiber alloy counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

With an aim of enhancing the light-to-electric power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), here we synthesize PtRu nanofiber alloys using a low-temperature hydrothermal technique which are employed as counter electrodes (CEs) for DSSCs. Owing to the good electrical conduction and electrocatalysis, light-to-electric power conversion efficiencies of PtRu-based DSSCs have been elevated in comparison with that of Pt CE based DSSC. The DSSC employing PtRu3 alloy CE gives a power conversion efficiency of 6.80% in comparison with 6.17% from Pt-based DSSC. The reasonable conversion efficiency, simple preparation, and scalability demonstrate the potential use of PtRu alloys in efficient DSSCs. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.