The Morphology–Property Effect and Synergetic Catalytic Effect of CdS as Electrocatalysts for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In this report, CdS nanoparticle, CdS nanorod, CdS nanorod grown on reduced graphene oxide (CdS nanorod/RGO) and CdS nanoparticle grown on reduced graphene oxide (CdS nanoparticle/RGO) have been synthesized by facile solvothermal method. In order to investigate the morphology–property effect and synergetic catalytic effect of CdS, the electrocatalytic property of four CdS samples are measured as counter electrodes (CEs) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The better catalytic activity and electrical conductivity of CdS nanorod than CdS nanoparticle revealed the morphology–property effect. In addition, CdS/RGO composites exhibited much higher power conversion efficiency ( PCE ) than pure CdS, demonstrating the synergetic catalytic effect between CdS and RGO. Simultaneously, the PCE value (7.19%) of CdS nanorod/RGO is highest among four CdS samples, which is even comparable to the conventional platinum CE (7.30%).