Project Description

This project is focused on replacing noble metal counter electrode in both DSSCs and PSCs with 2D materials such as transition metal carbides. Two major goals of this project are 1. Synthesis of 2D materials, optimization, fabrication of both rigid and flexible solar cells and testing of the prepared cells. 2. Extension of the synthesized 2D materials as HTL and contact electroles in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Through this project we have successfully completed replacing the Platinum as counter electrode in DSSC with the 2D material MXene with comparable efficiencies. The synthesis of 2D carbides viz. Ti2C, Ti3C2, V2C and Mo2C MXenes was done by ball milling, hot press technique and etching process. The fabricated cell was tested using Solar Simulator and further validated. Perovskite Solar Cells were fabricated in the Nitrogen atmosphere inside the Glove Box.

Based on the performance of the fabricated Rigid DSSCs, the materials and the process are being translated for flexible substrates such as ITO coated PET / PEN to fabricate flexible DSSC and flexible PSCs.