Abstract:
The global energy crisis is rapidly developing as a critical issue that must be resolved. The
rising need for energy consumption, along with the ease of utility, directs research toward the
manufacture of highly functional energy systems. To fulfil current energy demands, scientists,
and modern industries all over the world are trying to observe different low-cost raw materials
and are working to develop highly effective, lightweight, portable, and environmentally
friendly energy conversion systems such as solar cells. As a result, paper electrodes are
playing an essential role in modern flexible, lightweight, and portable components of
such devices.
This research work reports the synthesis of materials and fabrication of eco-friendly, flexible,
lightweight paper electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. Natural fibres (Musa fibres)
extracted from self-growing plants are incorporated to give mechanical stability and function
as non-toxic natural binders for electrode development. Nanostructured metal sulfide e.g.,
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is being used in this research work because it has low cost, can
provide inherent material stability, and has the ability to offer a large surface area to enhance
the kinetics required for fast charging. The current work is an approach to fabricate MoS2/LC
composite materials for the development of high-power density and improved cyclical stable
electrodes for DSSC applications.
MoS2 was synthesised using the microwave-assisted method. Musa fibres were
incorporated with MoS2 and used as a natural binder for the fabrication of paper electrodes.
Galvanostatic charge-discharge testing was used to analyse and compare the prepared
electrodes for energy conversion applications using a three-electrode system. Other
characterizations e.g., XRD, FTIR, and Raman confirmed the successful formation of MoS2
and MoS2/LC composite. The electrode demonstrated high electrochemical response, specific
capacitance, and cyclic stability. As a result, the fabricated electrodes are suitable for use in
energy conversion applications.
