Platinum (Pt) nanocrystals have demonstrated to be an effective catalyst in many heterogeneous catalytic processes. Suitably tailoring the surface morphology is a commonly employed strategy to improve the catalytic activity. However, as an important counter electrode material in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), the effective atomic arrangement on external crystal facet of Pt for triiodide reduction is still kept unknown. Using density functional theory, we have investigated the catalytic reaction process of triiodide reduction over the {100}, {111} and {411} facets, indicating that the activity follows the order: Pt(111) > Pt(411) > Pt(100). Further, Pt nanocystals mainly bounded by {100}, {111} and {411} facets were synthesized as counter electrode for DSCs. The resulting photovoltaic conversion efficiency confirms the theoretical predictions. These findings could deepen the understanding of the triiodide reduction mechanism over Pt surfaces and facilitate to design more efficient Pt eletrode for DSCs.

Facet-dependent catalytic activity of platinum nanocrystals for triiodide reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells

245th National Meeting (2013)

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