Catalytic flower-shaped α-MoO3 lamellar structure for solid-state fiber-dye-sensitized solar cells

Herein, we report a novel micro-flower lamellar structured α-MoO 3 counter electrode for solid-state fiber-shaped dye–sensitized solar cells. The α-MoO 3 sol-gel precursor, which is Tricarbonyltris (propionitrile) molybdenum, fabricates the α-MoO 3 microstructures by applying Joule heating. Cyclic voltammetry and Tafel polarization results indicate that the α-MoO 3 counter electrode with micro-flower lamellar has higher catalytic activity than pristine Pt. Therefore, based on the efficient reduction reaction of triiodide ions, the novel α-MoO 3 counter electrode with flower-structure could enhance short-circuit current with high power conversion efficiency (PCE). Furthermore, the device with the α-MoO 3 counter electrode provides better device stability and flexibility. Under 500 bending cycles, the PCE of the novel α-MoO 3 counter electrode device maintains more than 90% characteristics, while the bare Pt device reduces to 70%. • Micro-flower lamellar structured α-MoO 3 was synthesized by Joule heating process. • Micro structured α-MoO 3 shows efficient catalytic characteristics than Pt. • Structured α-MoO 3 counter electrode significantly improved PCE of fiber DSSCs. • Fabricated fiber DSSC was used for healthcare clothes operation.