Publication: Attaining promising efficiency through a Quasi-Solid-State symmetrical supercapacitor and Dye-Sensitized solar cell counter electrode utilizing bifunctional Nitrogen-Doped microporous activated carbon
Date
2024
Authors
Husain A.
Kandasamy M.
Mahajan D.K.
Selvaraj M.
Ahmad R.
Assiri M.A.
Kumar N.
Ramachandaramurthy V.K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Abstract
This study addresses the imperative need for high-performance and sustainable energy storage and conversion technologies by leveraging the unique properties of nitrogen-doped porous carbon (N@WnAC) derived from the waste walnut shells (WnS). In the realm of supercapacitors, the N@WnAC demonstrates remarkable performance in a three-electrode system, showcasing a high specific capacitance value of 276.7 Fg?1 at 1 Ag?1, outstanding stability (96.6 %, 5000 charge?discharge cycles) and favourable rate capability (68.8 % at 10 Ag?1). Moreover, a quasi-solid-state symmetrical supercapacitor (N@WnAC//N@WnAC) is fabricated with PVA/H2SO4 gel electrolyte, underscores outstanding performance by delivering high capacitance (126.2 Fg?1 at 0.5 Ag?1), promising rate capability (71.8 % at 5 Ag?1), favourable long-term stability (93.3 %, 5000 charge?discharge cycles), and faster charge?discharge kinetics compared to conventional counterparts. At the same time, N@WnAC//N@WnAC delivers a high energy density (42.27 Whkg?1 at 0.5 Ag?1) that was retained up to 23.96 Whkg?1 even at 5 Ag?1. Simultaneously, the study explores the potential of N@WnAC as a counter-electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The obtained results underscore that unique nitrogen doping enhances the electrocatalytic activity, leading to improved electron transfer kinetics and overall cell performance. Moreover, the N@WnAC CE-based DSSC delivers a promising overall solar-to-electrical conversion efficiency of 5.84 %. ? 2024 Elsevier B.V.