LAUSR

Abstract Synthesis of non-precious metal materials with cost-effective and excellent electrocatalytic activity as counter electrode (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) remains a challenge. Herein, MOF-based self-sustaining template and ion exchange method are developed to fabricate Co9S8 and Ni9S8 loaded on N-doped porous carbon nanocage materials (Co9S8/Ni9S8@C-N) with large specific surface area and remarkable catalytic activities to the reduction of I3− ions. The excellent performance of Co9S8/Ni9S8@C-N is owing to the synergistic effect of Ni9S8 and Co9S8 can further improve the catalytic activity and N-doped porous carbon nanocage as a good conductor provides a suitable place for the redox reaction and guarantees the stability of the material. As a CE catalytic material, Co9S8/Ni9S8@C-N reveals excellent catalytic activity and stability, making the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) 17.54% higher than Pt CE. The Co9S8/Ni9S8@C-N composite material reveals the remarkable potential as a CE in the DSSCs.