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Characterization of carbon derived from candle by flame-soot method for counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

Authors

  • Prakash Joshi Physics Department, Bhaktapur Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Bhaktapur, Nepal
  • Umesh Lawaju Department of Physics, Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Lalitpur, Nepal
  • Anupama K.C. Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
  • Min Nakarmi Dept. of Physics, Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York,Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
  • Ramani Pradhan Dept. of Applied Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Lalitpur, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v20i3.58041

Keywords:

Candle soot, Flame-soot method, Counter electrode, Catalyst, Dye-sensitize solar cells, Charge transfer resistance

Abstract

Candle soot, carbon samples prepared by flame-soot method, was characterized and investigated for its catalytic ability for the reduction of tri-iodide ions aiming to substitute expensive platinum based electrode used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy of the candle soot samples revealed that the soot contains 96% carbon. Similarly, Scanning Electron Microscopy images show that the candle soot consists of interconnected carbon nanoparticles of size ∼50 nm. Furthermore, X-ray Diffraction and Raman spectroscopy showed that the candle soot consists of disordered and ordered graphitic carbons in a comparable proportion. The catalytic ability of the candle soot was compared with that of platinum by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of the symmetrical electrochemical cells. The charge transfer resistance (Rct) at the candle soot-electrolyte interface was observed to be ∼4.42 Ω cm2 compared to ∼ 5.04 Ω cm2 that of the platinum-electrolyte interface. The candle soot was prepared by a simple method using low-cost material; hence, it can be a low-cost and efficient counter electrode material alternate to the platinum used in counter electrodes of DSCs.

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Published

2023-11-30

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How to Cite

Joshi, P., Lawaju, U., K.C., A., Nakarmi, M., & Pradhan, R. (2023). Characterization of carbon derived from candle by flame-soot method for counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells. BIBECHANA, 20(3), 205–212. https://doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v20i3.58041

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Section

Research Articles