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Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have many advantages, but the use of expensive platinum counter electrodes (CEs) limits their industrial applications. In this work, a Co–Ni/carbon aerogel composite with a unique three-dimensional network structure and high specific surface area was prepared through simple ion exchange and carbonization of low-cost sodium alginate supramolecular hydrogels. Using this metal/carbon aerogel composite as the CE (hereafter denoted as CAE) of ZnO-based DSSCs, a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.08% was obtained. This value was 94.44% of the PCE obtained using Pt. Analysis of current–voltage curves, cyclic voltammograms, and electrochemical impedance spectra revealed that the fabricated CAE had higher catalytic activity than a Pt CE and comparable charge-transfer ability. The adhesion of the CAE onto FTO was also strong with carbon paste as an adhesive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a pneumatic spray gun for a long-distance jet, we coated thioacetamide on the surface of ZnO. Thus, the adsorption capacity of N719 dyes greatly increased. The as-samples were characterised by linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. Results showed that the charge recombination resistance increased, which lowered the interface electron recombination rate between ZnO and the electrolyte and between the electrolyte and the dye. Finally, a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 8.28 ± 0.24% for ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]