Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol using electrocatalytic ZnS nanoparticles for counter electrode application in dye-sensitized solar cells

K. Subalakshmi, K. Ashok Kumar, J. Senthilselvan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Polycrystalline ZnS nanoparticles of c.a 5 nm were synthesized by simple hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of cubic zinc blende phase of ZnS. HRSEM image reveals the sample is composed of agglomerated trigonal flake shaped ZnS nanoparticulates. UV-Visible absorption spectrum of ZnS ensures the absorption maximum at 340 nm and its band gap energy is found to be reduced (3.2 eV) owing to its surface light scattering effect. Nyquist plot of ZnS nanoparticles show decrease in electrical resistance with increasing the applied potential resulting in increased conductivity. The fast reduction process of n-nitrophenol (4-NP) into n-aminophenol (4-AP) reveals a high catalytic behavior of ZnS. Hence, the prepared ZnS nanoparticles with high electrical conductivity and catalytic activity can be useful for counter electrode application in DSSC.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDAE Solid State Physics Symposium 2016
EditorsSurendra Singh, Saibal Basu, Shovit Bhattacharya, Amitabh Das
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9780735415003
DOIs
StatePublished - 19 May 2017
Event61st DAE Solid State Physics Symposium - Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Duration: 26 Dec 201630 Dec 2016

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1832
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference61st DAE Solid State Physics Symposium
Country/TerritoryIndia
CityBhubaneswar, Odisha
Period26/12/1630/12/16

Keywords

  • Catalytic activity
  • Counter electrode
  • Impedance spectroscopy
  • ZnS

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