Platinum-free binary Co-Ni alloy counter electrodes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted growing interest because of their application in renewable energy technologies in developing modern low-carbon economies. However, the commercial application of DSSCs has been hindered by the high expenses of platinum (Pt) counter electrodes (CEs). Here we use Pt-free binary Co-Ni alloys synthesized by a mild hydrothermal strategy as CE materials in efficient DSSCs. As a result of the rapid charge transfer, good electrical conduction, and reasonable electrocatalysis, the power conversion efficiencies of Co-Ni-based DSSCs are higher than those of Pt-only CEs, and the fabrication expense is markedly reduced. The DSSCs based on a CoNi0.25 alloy CE displays an impressive power conversion efficiency of 8.39%, fast start-up, multiple start/stop cycling, and good stability under extended irradiation.