CNT–Pt counter electrode prepared using a polyol process to achieve high performance in dye-sensitised solar cells

A complex composed of a carbon nanotube (CNT) and platinum (Pt) was prepared as a counter electrode in a dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC). The mechanism for the improved DSSC was studied by electron transfer time and electron lifetime. The results demonstrated that the electron transfer time decreased and that the electron lifetime increased in counter electrodes. The high efficiency of the CNT–Pt complex counter electrode was obtained because of the electrical properties of CNTs and the catalytic activity of Pt. The CNT–Pt counter electrode showed the high efficiency of 88% with highly reduced Pt amount comparing with Pt electrode.