PAN-b-PBA block copolymers were synthesized by ATRP polymerization for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and supercapacitors (SCs). Nitrogen-enriched nanocarbons were obtained for DSSC counter electrode as well as SC cathode through a soft-templating method, utilizing the block copolymers of poly(butylacrylate) as a sacrificial component and PAN as a nitrogen-rich carbon source. The resultant nitrogen-enriched nanocarbons showed better electrochemical stability and higher electrocatalytic performance than platinum and are a promising metal-free alternative to costly platinum-based electrodes in organic-dye based DSSCs with redox shuttles. Also, soft-templated tellurium-doped mesoporous carbons (Te-SMCs) were synthesized for the first time by the simple pyrolysis of PAN-b-PBA block copolymer, prepared by ATRP polymerization, in the presence of a tellurium precursor for replacing the Pt CE in DSSCs. As-prepared Te-SMC materials contained mainly mesopores and retained three-dimensionally hierarchical graphite-like structure with many defect sites. These characteristics enabled the development of a high-performance CE in DSSCs with cobalt and iodine redox couples. As a result of its catalytic performance, Te-SMC exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic activity as well as a much better electrochemical stability than the Pt CE for both redox couples even after 1000 potential cycles. The results show that a maximum conversion efficiency of 11.64 and 9.67% could be achieved for SGT-021/Co(bpy)32+/3+- and N719/I–/I3–-based devices with Te-SMC CEs, respectively and these values are superior to the corresponding device with Pt-CEs. Similarly, polymer confined few-layer Ru Nanoparticles@templated-free N-enriched nano-sphere carbons (Ru-NPs@TNNC) was produced. As prepared Ru-NPs@TNNC containing mesopore/micropore shows very high capacitance, due to self-doped graphitic nitrogen and few-layer Ru-NPs on the pore edge of TNNC facilitated by high surface area. In this presentation, metalloid-doped carbon-based nanomaterials for next generation energy conversion and storage devices will be discussed.

Metalloid-doped carbon-based nanomaterials for Next Generation energy conversion and storage devices

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.