Heteroatom‐doped graphene and its application as a counter electrode in dye‐sensitized solar cells

The most frequently used counter electrode (CE) in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is platinum on fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass. This electrode has excellent electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and high electrocatalytic affinity for the reduction of triiodide. However, the high cost of metallic platinum and the poor electrochemical stability pose a major drawback in the commercial production. This has necessitated a search for a non‐precious metal and metal‐free electrocatalyst that demonstrates better catalytic activity and longer electrochemical stability for practical use in DSSCs. Graphene has been at the centre of attention due to its excellent optoelectronic properties. However, a defect‐free graphene sheet is not suitable as a CE in DSSCs, because of its neutral polarity which often restricts efficient charge transfer at the graphene/liquid interface, irrespective of the high in‐plane charge mobility. Hence, heteroatom‐doped graphene‐based CEs are being developed with the aim to balance electrical conductivity for efficient charge transfer and charge polarization for enhanced reduction activity of redox couples simultaneously. The elements commonly used in chemical doping of graphene are nitrogen, oxygen, boron, sulfur, and phosphorus. Halogens have also recently shown great promise. It has been demonstrated that edge‐selective heteroatom‐doping of graphene imparts both efficient in‐plane charge transfers and polarity, thereby enhancing electrocatalytic activity. Thus, heteroatom‐doped graphene serves as a good material to replace conventional electrodes and enhance power conversion efficiency in DSSCs. The focus is to reduce the cost of DSSCs. This review explores the performance of DSSCs, factors that influence the power conversion efficiency, and various physicochemical properties of graphene. It further outlines current progress on the synthetic approaches for chemical doping (substitutional and surface transfer doping) of graphene and graphene oxide with different heteroatoms in order to fine‐tune the electronic properties. The use of heteroatom‐doped graphene as a CE in DSSCs and how it improves the photovoltaic performance of cells is discussed.     

Novel improvements in the sensitizers of dye‐sensitized solar cells for enhancement in efficiency—a review

In the present review article, we have focused our study on the novel improvements that have been brought about in the molecular design of various sensitizers for application in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The sensitizers based on noble metals such as ruthenium, osmium, and rhenium showed high efficiency, but their cost and complicated synthesis restrict their wide applications. Further, to reduce the cost of fabrication of DSSCs, researchers are focusing their interest in organic sensitizers. In this context, organic dyes have offered several possibilities, as by improving their molecular structure brings about improvement in the light harvesting ability of dyes, and with the help of such dyes, optimal DSSCs have been fabricated. Further, to reduce the cost of DSSCs, researchers are also focusing on natural sensitizers such as betacyanin and anthocyanin or chlorophyll, as natural sensitizers are easy to prepare, cost effective, and environmentally friendly. With the help of these natural sensitizers, eco‐friendly and more cost‐effective DSSCs can be fabricated. Thus, we found from our study that beside metal‐based sensitizers, organic and natural sensitizers also offer a vast potential for the optimization of efficiency in DSSCs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Omnidirectional light‐harvesting enhancement of dye‐sensitized solar cells with ZnO nanorods

In this work, the chemical solution method was used to prepare one‐dimensional (1‐D) ZnO nanorod (NR) photoelectrodes, which were subsequently used in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The effects of ZnO NRs on the omnidirectional light‐harvesting performance of DSSCs were investigated by growing ZnO NRs with varying lengths as photoelectrodes. On the basis of field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet (UV)–vis‐near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy measurements on the ZnO NR photoelectrodes of varying lengths, it was observed that the dye adsorption and light‐scattering properties of NRs are affected by their length. In addition, DSSCs were prepared using ZnO NRs of varying lengths. These DSSCs were examined via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, monochromatic incident photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiency measurements, and solar simulations to measure their photovoltaic efficiencies, carrier lifetimes, and device characteristics in omnidirectional antireflection measurements. The highest photovoltaic efficiency between these DSSCs was 0.33%. Omnidirectional antireflection measurements were performed on DSSCs with different ZnO NR lengths, and it was observed that the smallest change in efficiency between angles of incidence of 0° and 60° was 23%. Therefore, the light‐scattering properties of ZnO NR photoelectrodes improve the omnidirectional antireflection light capture characteristics of DSSCs.     

A review on PEDOT‐based counter electrodes for dye‐sensitized solar cells

The dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a promising alternative for the Si solar cell due to its low‐cost and easy fabrication. As a novel conductive polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has attracted much attention for DSSCs. In this review article, the progress of PEDOT‐based counter electrodes for DSSCs is presented. First, the properties and structure of PEDOT are briefly described, and its feasibility as a DSSC counter electrode is demonstrated. Then, the effect of various treatments on the electrical conductivity and catalytic activity of PEDOT as well as its stability is examined. Furthermore, efficient and low‐cost composite counter electrodes consisting of PEDOT and other materials are deeply discussed. Finally, an outlook for PEDOT counter electrodes is provided. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Semiconductor‐ionic materials could play an important role in advanced fuel‐to‐electricity conversion

Functional semiconductor‐ionic materials can be used to realize a single component or so‐called “three‐in‐one” fuel cell design. Such materials integrate the functionalities of fuel cell's anode, electrolyte, and cathode into one component. The underlying principle of a single‐component fuel cell design combines material band structures with ionic species/transport. The performance values of such devices could exceed that of traditional fuel cells. This could represent a major progress in fuel cell science and technology and lies grounds for a new direction of fuel cell R&D and commercialization.     

Recent advancement in the performance of solar cells by incorporating transition metal dichalcogenides as counter electrode and photoabsorber

Two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) architectures have revealed fascinating characteristics such as direct band gap, strong light absorption, and novel electrochemical properties, which make them promising materials for photovoltaic applications. The review focuses on (1) the study of electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of TMDCs thereby using them as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and (2) analyzing the light absorption and charge transport performance of TMDCs heterostructures with different 3D materials. We have further investigated different materials in combination with TMDCs such as reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite, graphene flakes, and molybdenum as CEs in DSSCs. Conventionally, platinum (Pt) is used as a CE material for DSSCs that displays excellent catalytic activity and high electrical conductivity but due to the high cost and scarcity of Pt limits the large‐scale production. Therefore, the excellent electrochemical properties and cost‐effectiveness of TMDCs make them promising contender to replace Pt as CEs in DSSCs. Additionally, the photovoltaic properties of TMDCs and their heterostructures with various materials such as silicon, gallium arsenide, indium phosphate, tungsten disulfide, boron nitride, and organic polymers are reviewed. TMDCs are also investigated as hole transport layer (HTL) and electron transport layer (ETL) with various organic polymers such as P3HT, PCBM, PEDOT:PSS, PTB7, and spiro‐OmeTAD for organic and perovskite‐based solar cells (SCs). The utilization of TMDCs as CEs and photoabsorbers enhances the power conversion efficiency (PCE) to generate cost‐effective and high performance SC devices that can be exploit for future technological applications.     

Enhancement in the photostability of natural dyes for dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications: a review

The advancements in the generation of solar cells have created a landmark to design a cost‐effective, less weight, biocompatible, and environmental‐friendly solar cell. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have become a topic of significant research in the recent years because of their imperative role in the zone of harvesting energy from the renewable source, and it appears to be a promising candidate for the triumph because of its low cost and ease of preparation. The use of synthetic dyes as a sensitizer for DSSC provides better efficiency and high durability. Unfortunately, they suffer from several margins such as higher cost and usage of toxic materials. These downsides have opened up for alternative sensitizer such as biocompatible natural dyes. Natural dyes contain plant pigments such as carotenoid, flavonoid, betalains, and chlorophyll that act as sensitizers (dye) for DSSC. But, the efficiency of natural dyes is not up to the mark mainly due to photoinstability of natural dye in the presence of sunlight that leads to photodegradation. The stability issues are mainly due to interaction of natural dyes with photoelectrode. The photoelectrodes in DSSC are semiconductor materials with superior characteristic of photocatalytic activity (PCA). The PCA of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) generates high energetic free electrons on the surface of film that produce free radical ions in contact with moisture. These free radical ions readily degrade the organic matter present nearby (natural dye in DSSC). Thus, the PCA of photoelectrode is responsible for the photodegradation of dyes causing photoinstability. The main objective of this review is to study the photoinstability of natural dyes in DSSC. In this regard, the DSSC is concentrated into sections, and the stability issues due to PCA of photoelectrode are studied individually in the view of considering the DSSC operating with iodide‐based electrolytes and platinum as counter electrode only. Various algae groups are featured as a study tool to overview the dye interaction with photoelectrode. It highlights the application of Z‐scheme of photosynthesis to DSSC to have a broader perception on the working of DSSC and also shows some of the ways for improving the stability of dyes by suppressing or reducing the PCA of photoelectrode. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and application of Fe3O4@nanocellulose/TiCl as a nanofiller for high performance of quasisolid‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells

In this research, to optimize the surface of the photoanode, two different types of surface coatings were used and their effects on the photovoltaic parameters were investigated. Also, to compare the two different electrolytic systems based on liquid and gel‐state electrolyte, the novel magnetic core‐shell nanocellulose/titanium chloride (Fe₃O₄@)NCs/TiCl) nanocomposite was introduced into a polymeric system as a nanofiller to decrease the crystallinity of the polymer and enhance the diffusion of triiodide ions in quasisolid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells (QS‐DSSCs). For this purpose, Fe₃O₄@)NCs/TiCl was synthesized by coprecipitation of Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions in the presence of nanocellulose and then used as magnetic support for bonding TiCl₄ to prepare QS‐DSSCs. Containing a 10.0 wt% magnetic nanocomposite, it displayed a higher apparent diffusion coefficient (D_app) for I₃^? ions (4.10 × 10^?6 cm²/s) than the gel polymeric electrolyte (GPE) did (1.35 × 10^?6 cm²/s). GPEs were characterized using various techniques including current density‐voltage curves, AC impedance measurements, and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The photovoltaic values for the short‐circuit current density (J_sc), open‐circuit voltage (V_OC), and fill factor (FF) and the energy conversion efficiency (η) of the novel Fe₃O₄@NCs/TiCl nanocomposite–based QS‐DSSCs were 14.90 mA cm^?2, 0.757 V, 64%, and 7.22%, respectively.     

Flexible sodium‐ion supercapacitor based on polypyrrole/carbon electrode by use of harmless aqueous electrolyte for wearable devices

With the emergence of various wearable devices, supercapacitors have gained immense attention because of their fast response rates. However, most supercapacitors use hazardous electrolyte materials, such as H₂SO₄, KOH, and acetonitrile. Leakage of these types of electrolytes during use would be very harmful to human skin. Therefore, a supercapacitor that does not employ hazardous materials is an attractive option for use in the energy‐storage components of wearable devices. Herein, we successfully demonstrate a Na‐ion supercapacitor (NISC) with a polypyrrole/carbon‐coated heat‐treated carbon felt electrode and an aqueous 0.4 M NaCl electrolyte, which is not harmful. Furthermore, our NISC with polypyrrole/carbon‐coated heat‐treated carbon felt exhibits a high specific capacitance (31.09 F g^?1) and a fast response rate (chargeable at 0.5‐s intervals). The proposed NISC with no harmful materials in the electrolyte has an excellent response rate. It will establish useful guidelines for the energy‐storage components in wearable devices Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Axial heterostructure nanoarray as all‐solid‐state micro‐supercapacitors

The end‐to‐end axial heterojunction one‐dimensional nanoarray combined poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and manganese dioxide (MnO₂) have been successfully designed and fabricated. The electrochemical performance was investigated in detail after processing the axial PEDOT/MnO₂ heterostructure nanoarray (APMHN) into flexible micro‐supercapacitors, namely, PM‐MSC. The presence of flexible PEDOT segment effectively improved the conductivity and also provided an important material basis for the preparation of flexible PM‐MSC. Further, PEDOT has good contact with both Au substrate and MnO₂ segment, ensuring that the charge can quickly shuttle back and forth between the electrode and the current collector. The PM‐MSC showed the highest specific capacitance of 209.89 mF·cm^?2 compared with the P‐MSC assembled from PEDOT nanoarray and M‐MSC assembled from MnO₂ nanoarray. The PM‐MSC possesses good flexibility, making the capacitance performance of the PM‐MSC show almost no deterioration under the 180° bent state. Moreover, several series or parallel PM‐MSCs enable a variety of electronic devices to work properly. The APMHN exhibits some new advantages, enabling the integration of physical and chemical properties of the two separate components, while providing a new way of thinking for the design and manufacture of MSC for flexibility.     

N‐doped titania powders prepared by different nitrogen sources and their application in quasi‐solid state dye‐sensitized solar cells

Nitrogen‐doped TiO₂ nanocrystalline particles are synthesized by a microwave‐assisted hydrothermal growth method using different amines (Dipropylamine, Diethanolamine and Ammonium hydroxide) as nitrogen sources. Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed with X‐ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The prepared N‐doped TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibit pure anatase phase with average diameter of 9 nm and reduced optical energy gap compared to undoped TiO₂. Immobilization of N‐doped and pure TiO₂ nanoparticles on SnO₂:F conductive glass substrates was successfully performed by using doctor‐blade technique and paste of the aforementioned nanoparticles. A series of N‐doped TiO₂ photoelectrodes with varying N dopant source and concentrations were fabricated for quasi‐solid state dye‐sensitized solar cells. The N‐doped solar cells achieve an overall conversion efficiency ranging from 4.0 to 5.7% while undoped TiO₂ showed 3.6%. The basic difference to the electrical performance of the cells is focused to the enhancement in the current density of N‐doped TiO₂‐based cells which was from 11% to 58% compared with undoped TiO₂ cells. Current densities were directly proportional with nitrogen doping level in TiO₂ lattice which differs depending on the amine source nature such as basicity differences, hydrogen bonding abilities and steric inherences. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

St. Lucie cherry,yellow jasmine,and madder berries as novel natural sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells

Natural dyes extracted from fruits, vegetables, flowers, and leaves are considered as promising alternative sensitizers to replace synthetic dyes for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Generally, solar activity of natural dyes stem from anthocyanin pigment. Carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups present in the anthocyanin molecule improve the adsorption ability of dye on TiO₂ and therefore facilitate charge transfer. Here, for the first time, novel natural dyes extracted from St. Lucie cherry, yellow jasmine, and madder berries are reported to act as sensitizer in DSSCs. These novel natural dye extracts are prepared by dissolving related fruits in ethanol. The ingredient of the dyes is identified by FT‐IR spectroscopy. Accordingly, FT‐IR spectrum reveals that novel natural dye extracts exhibit all the characteristic peaks of anthocyanin pigment. Specifically, St. Lucie cherry consists of more distinct carbonyl group than other sources. Also, photoanodes composed of three TiO₂ layers are prepared by using a spin‐coating method. Then, they are immersed into natural dyes and analyzed by conducting UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Compared with bare TiO₂, natural dye–loaded photoanodes demonstrate far higher absorption ability in the visible region. After fabrication of devices with different novel natural dye sensitizers, current‐voltage characteristics and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements are performed. The best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.19% is obtained by sensitization of St. Lucie cherry with an open‐circuit voltage (V_oc) of 0.56 V, short‐circuit current density (J_sc) of 181 μA cm^?2, and fill factor (FF) of 0.55. Furthermore, St. Lucie cherry–sensitized devices show the lowest charge transfer and highest recombination resistances. This result can be attributed to the obvious carbonyl group exhibited by St. Lucie cherry.     

Experimental‐ and numerical‐simulation research on the inner–secondary‐air ratio in a 600‐MWe down‐fired boiler

Using a phase Doppler‐anemometer measurement system, the cold gas/particle‐airflow behavior in a 1:40 scale‐model furnace was assessed to study the influences of adjusting the inner–secondary‐air ratio in a 600‐MW_e multi‐injection and multistaging down‐fired boiler. Numerical simulations were also conducted to verify the results of the modeling trials and to provide heat‐state information. The results demonstrate that reducing the inner–secondary‐air ratio from 19.66% to 7.66% gradually enhances the downward velocity decay of the gas/particle airflow, while the inner secondary‐air downward‐entraining effect on the fuel‐rich flow is weakened. Lowering the inner–secondary‐air ratio greatly inhibits the decay of the near burner–particle volume flux. In addition, the fuel rich–flow ignition distance is reduced, from 1.02 to 0.87 m. A lower inner–secondary‐air ratio is harmful to restrain early NO_x formation. Reducing the ratio also causes the fuel‐rich flow to turn upwards ahead, while the penetration depth of this flow gradually decreases and the maximum temperature in the hopper region falls from 1900 to 1800 K. On the basis of these data, an optimal inner–secondary‐air ratio of 13.66% is recommended.     

Review of recent progress in solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

The dye-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO₂ solar cells (DSSCs) provide a promising alternative concept to conventional p–n junction photovoltaic devices. However, liquid-state DSSCs possess the problem of low stability since a volatile liquid electrolyte is utilized. An effective approach to solve such a problem is by replacing the volatile liquid electrolyte with solid-state or quasi solid-state hole conductor, such as p-type semiconductors, ionic liquid electrolyte and polymer electrolyte. In this paper, the recent progress on the selection and utilization of these hole conductors are mainly discussed. Research on mechanisms of solid-state DSSCs was also summarized here including the hole transfer process at dye/hole conductor interface, ionic transportation inside hole conductor media and the factors which depress the efficiency of solid-state cells. With a thorough analysis of the problems of solid-state DSSCs, several ways towards higher efficiency and lower cost are suggested.     

Atmospheric stability‐dependent infinite wind‐farm models and the wake‐decay coefficient

We extend the infinite wind‐farm boundary‐layer (IWFBL) model of Frandsen to take into account atmospheric static stability effects. This extended model is compared with the IWFBL model of Emeis and to the Park wake model used in Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program (WAsP), which is computed for an infinite wind farm. The models show similar behavior for the wind‐speed reduction when accounting for a number of surface roughness lengths, turbine to turbine separations and wind speeds under neutral conditions. For a wide range of atmospheric stability and surface roughness length values, the extended IWFBL model of Frandsen shows a much higher wind‐speed reduction dependency on atmospheric stability than on roughness length (roughness has been generally thought to have a major effect on the wind‐speed reduction). We further adjust the wake‐decay coefficient of the Park wake model for an infinite wind farm to match the wind‐speed reduction estimated by the extended IWFBL model of Frandsen for different roughness lengths, turbine to turbine separations and atmospheric stability conditions. It is found that the WAsP‐recommended values for the wake‐decay coefficient of the Park wake model are (i) larger than the adjusted values for a wide range of neutral to stable atmospheric stability conditions, a number of roughness lengths and turbine separations lower than ～ 10 rotor diameters and (ii) too large compared with those obtained by a semiempirical formulation (relating the ratio of the friction to the hub‐height free velocity) for all types of roughness and atmospheric stability conditions. © 2013 The Authors. Wind Energy published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation of N‐doped graphene‐based electrode via electrochemical method and its application in vanadium redox flow battery

An N‐doped graphene electrode has been prepared by cyclic voltammetric method in 5.0 M of HNO₃ solution on a graphite‐based electrode at room temperature. The modification of the electrode surface with different types of N‐containing groups, such as nitro groups, pyrrolic N, and pyridinic N, has been controlled by changing the scanned potential ranges. The formation of an N‐doped graphene electrode has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopic, atomic force microscopic, X‐ray photoelectron, and Raman spectroscopic methods. The prepared N‐doped graphene‐modified electrodes have been used in positive electrolyte of a vanadium‐based redox flow battery. As positive electrodes, the electrochemically modified electrodes prepared in 5.0 M of HNO₃ solution ?1.0 to (+1.9) and ?0.7 to (+1.9) V had more than 140 and 120 mA/cm² anodic and cathodic peak currents, respectively, in vanadium redox battery. This fast, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly method can be used in many application areas, such as optical devices, (bio)sensors, energy storage materials, and electronic devices.     

Investigation on a low‐melting‐point gallium alloy MHD power generator

A magnetic hydrodynamic (MHD) power generator using an electro‐conductive low‐melting‐point gallium alloy is introduced. An experimental setup is designed and established to investigate its performance with aids of numerical simulations. Theoretical derivations based on Faraday Law are also presented as a theoretical foundation of the present study. It is found that the electric output increases with flow velocity, magnetic strength and electric conductivity, and the theoretical predictions and numerical results are in good agreement with the experimentally measured data. It is understood that in order to obtain a practical power generation, priority should be put on increasing fluid flow velocity and magnetic field strength. The present MHD power generation system has shown to be operated reliably in a long time at room temperature and could be used as a micro‐distributed energy supply system for domestic use in the future. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Graphene‐based materials for flexible electrochemical energy storage

Sustainable development of renewable energy sources is one of the most important themes that humanity faces in this century. Wide use of renewable energy sources will require a drastically increased ability to store electrical energy. Electrochemical energy storage devices are expected to play a key role. With the increased demand in flexible energy resource for wearable electronic devices, great efforts have been devoted to developing high‐quality flexible electrodes for advanced energy storage and conversion systems. Because of its high specific surface area, good chemical stability, high mechanical flexibility, and outstanding electrical properties, graphene, a special allotrope of carbon with two‐dimensional mono‐layered network of sp² hybridized carbon, have been showing great potential in next‐generation energy conversion and storage devices. This review presents the latest advances on the flexible graphene‐based materials for the most vigorous electrochemical energy storage devices, that is, supercapacitors and lithium‐ion batteries. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of catalyst layer defects in catalyst‐coated membrane for PEMFC application: Non‐destructive method

The commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells has been hindered by durability problems caused by defects in the manufacturing process. We demonstrate for the first time a non‐destructive, non‐contact method that uses optical microscopy and image analysis to identify defects that may lead to failure in catalyst‐coated membranes (CCMs) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. This method is applied to 2 commercial CCMs produced by the decal transfer technique. Defects in the catalyst layer (CL) at the beginning‐of‐life (BOL) are characterized in terms of their initial size and shape, and their propagation is tracked as the CCMs are aged in a non‐reactive environment. The defected area in one of the commercial CCMs increases from approximately 2.4% of the total CL area at BOL to 10.5% by end‐of‐life (EOL). BOL defects in the CL are found to propagate faster in the CCMs stored for 2 years under atmospheric conditions compared with freshly manufactured CCMs with narrow CL defects. Image analysis of another commercial CCM shows the presence of pores with diameters between 5 and 25 μm that comprise 52% of the total pore area in the CL. Other defects such as scratches and missing/empty catalyst areas are identified and characterized, providing a framework for quality control applications. Finally, the effect of defects on fuel cell performance is characterized by measurement of the open‐circuit voltage (OCV). These experiments show that CCMs with a large number of cracks in the CL exhibit a voltage loss of 2.55 mV/hr, whereas CCMs with thin/missing/empty CL defects show a loss of 1.12 mV/hr.     

3D graphene from CO2 and K as an excellent counter electrode for dye‐sensitized solar cells

3D graphene, which was synthesized directly from CO₂ via its exothermic reaction with liquid K, exhibited excellent performance as a counter electrode for a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The DSSC has achieved a high power conversion efficiency of 8.25%, which is 10 times larger than that (0.74%) of a DSSC with a counter electrode of the regular graphene synthesized via chemical exfoliation of graphite. The efficiency is even higher than that (7.73%) of a dye‐sensitized solar cell with an expensive standard Pt counter electrode. This work provides a novel approach to utilize a greenhouse gas for DSSCs.