Reduced graphene oxide coated cotton fabric as flexible counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cell applications

This study presents the fabrication of flexible counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-coated cotton fabric. The successful reduction of graphene oxide was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, showing a D/G intensity ratio of 1.27. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed uniform and continuous coverage of rGO coating on cotton fabric and the elemental composition confirmed by EDS respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated a charge-transfer resistance (Rct) of 2.5 kΩ and a series resistance (Rs) of 0.5 kΩ for the RCF, indicating efficient electron transfer at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Photovoltaic measurements under AM 1.5 G illumination (100 mW cm⁻²) revealed that the rGO-coated cotton fabric-based DSSC exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.59 %. Together, these results establish rGO-coated cotton fabric as a promising pathway towards sustainable, low-cost, and flexible DSSC technology. • Developed a flexible and biodegradable rGO-coated cotton fabric as a platinum-free counter electrode for DSSCs. • Utilized a simple, binder-free dip-coating route achieving uniform rGO coverage confirmed by FE-SEM and Raman analysis. • Demonstrated efficient charge transfer (Rct = 2.5 kΩ) and a PCE of 2.59 %, approaching that of Pt-based cells (3.94 %). • Offers a sustainable, low-cost, and scalable pathway for flexible and wearable photovoltaic applications.