Electrophoresis of randomly and vertically embedded graphenenanosheets in activated carbon film as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

A new approach has been developed to randomly and vertically embed the graphene nanosheets (GNs) in the activated carbon (AC) film in an applied electric field. The activated carbon (AC) nanoparticles in suspension during electrophoresis play an important role in supporting the GNs perpendicular to the FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) glass. Insufficient amount of AC nanoparticles might result in a deposition of GNs parallel to the FTO glass, leading to incomplete utilization of the surface area accessible to electrolyte ions. An AC cathode with randomly and vertically embedded GNs facilitated electrolyte penetration and electron conduction. The photoelectron conversion efficiency of the cell was increased to 7.50% by employing the AC cathode with randomly and vertically embedded GNs.