One-dimensional hollow metal-complex as catalytic electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract We report the application of N,N ′-Ethylene-bis(salicylideneiminato)-nickel (II) complex (Ni(salen)) and platinum (Pt) functionalized Ni(salen) complex as neoteric catalytic electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Crystalline, one-dimensional (1D) hollow Ni(salen) complex was prepared via low-temperature chemical processes and used as a CE in DSSCs. 1D hollow Ni(salen) complex-based device exhibited low photo and dark-current density, due to the poor electron conduction and catalytic activity. Further improving the electrical and catalytic property of Ni(salen) complex, the complex functionalized with Pt on/in surface via sol-gel method at ambient condition; thereby enhance electron conduction and catalytic activity, increasing the photocurrent density (Jsc) from 9.05 to 14.40 mA·cm −2 and efficiency (η) 1.02 to 2.76%, respectively. The cyclic voltammetry data revealed that the Pt functionalized Ni(salen) complex electrode better electrocatalytic activity for I 3 − /I − redox reaction relative to that of Ni(salen) electrode. The Pt functionalized Ni(salen) complex electrodes open-up a neoteric catalytic material for designing high–performance optoelectronic devices.