Mo2C Nanotubes.pdf

Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) nanotubes and particles were synthesized for use as counter electrode catalysts in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Mo2C particles were prepared by sintering a urea-metal precursor at 800°C, while Mo2C nanotubes were synthesized by sintering a wirelike precursor at 750°C or 1000°C. The Mo2C nanotubes exhibited higher crystallinity and larger diameter at higher sintering temperatures.

The Mo2C counter electrodes were fabricated using a spray coating technique and showed improved photovoltaic performance compared to platinum (Pt) counter electrodes. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the DSC with Mo2C nanotube counter electrode reached 6.22%, outperforming the Pt counter electrode (3.91%) and Mo2C particle counter electrode (5.50%).

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements revealed lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) and Nernst diffusion impedance (ZN) for the Mo2C nanotube counter electrode, indicating enhanced catalytic activity. The results suggest that Mo2C nanotubes are a promising alternative to Pt as counter electrode catalysts in DSCs.