Use of hemp-based activated carbon as back electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted significant attention in recent years as alternative photovoltaic systems due to their low production costs, simple fabrication processes, and high efficiency even under low light intensity. On the other hand, platinum (Pt), which is commonly used as the counter electrode in DSSCs, poses sustainability challenges due to its high cost and limited availability. In this study, activated carbon derived from industrial hemp waste was employed as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to Pt. The activated carbon was synthesized through chemical activation using NaOH. Pore characterization revealed that the material exhibited a pore size distribution ranging from 1.62 to 49.48 nm, with an average pore diameter of 2.03 nm, indicating a predominantly mesoporous structure. The energy conversion efficiency of the DSSC fabricated with this activated carbon-based counter electrode was measured as 2.26%. These results demonstrate the potential of industrial hemp waste-derived carbon materials in renewable energy applications.