Continuous and large-area transition metal disulfides films deposited by pulsed laser/chemical vapor-combined process as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

The continuous and large-area films of transition metal disulfides (MS2, M = Mo, W, Fe, Co, Ni) were prepared on the conducting glass using pulsed laser deposition followed by chemical vapour deposition. The metal oxide precursor was deposited onto the substrate by pulsed laser deposition, and then the oxides were rapidly sulfurized by chemical vapour deposition. As a result, the functional films exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells due to their uniformity, crack-free and adhesive.