ItemArticle

Transparent Cu-Pd decorated MoS2@functionalized carbon nanofiber composite counter electrodes: Efficient bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell

Title
Transparent Cu-Pd decorated MoS2@functionalized carbon nanofiber composite counter electrodes: Efficient bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell
Creator
Upadhyay, Shanyukta; Balachandran, Manoj
Description
This research demonstrates a facile method for implementing bimetallic Cu-Pd-doped MoS2/Carbon fiber composites as a transparent counter electrode for bifacial dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) applications. The inert properties of the basal plane significantly limit the catalytic capabilities of MoS2. This limitation is alleviated through the incorporation of carbon fibers, owing to their excellent conductivity, catalytic activity, and stable structure. Cu and Pd nanoparticles were incorporated into MoS2, carbon fibers and a mixed MoS2/carbon fibers matrix via a one-step hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, and catalytic properties were systematically investigated through microscopic studies, Cyclic Voltammetry, and Tafel analysis. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy recorded charge transfer resistance RCT values for CuPdCNF, CuPdMS, and CuPdMSCNF are 16.50, 10.62, and 7.5 ?, respectively, attributed to the addition of metals that can alter both the geometric and electronic structures on the metal surface, which are closely associated with their catalytic efficiency. This approach has led to a significant enhancement in both short-circuit current density and overall efficiency with respect to bare MoS2 and Pt. The cells exhibited current densities of 16.00 mA/cm, 16.19 mA/cm, and 16.71 mA/cm, with corresponding efficiencies of 7.03 %, 6.86 %, and 7.77 %, respectively, under front illumination for CuPd-CNF, CuPd-MS, and CuPdMSCNF. Additionally, the introduction of these bimetallic NPs within the carbon and MoS2 matrix further increases the active site for catalytic reduction. The combination of significant efficiency and rear illumination adaptability underscores the strong potential for practical use in bifacial solar cell configurations. 2026 Elsevier B.V.
Source
Journal of Alloys and Compounds;Volume;1053;Issue;;Article No.;186168;
Date
01-01-2026
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Subject
Bifacial solar cells; Carbon fibers composites; Counter electrode; Electrocatalytic activity; Molybdenum disulfide
Coverage
Upadhyay S., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560029, India; Balachandran M., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560029, India
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISSN: 9258388; CODEN: JALCE
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Upadhyay, Shanyukta; Balachandran, Manoj, “Transparent Cu-Pd decorated MoS2@functionalized carbon nanofiber composite counter electrodes: Efficient bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 18, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/22322.

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