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09:30
Electrospinning of Photocatalytic Electrodes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
Published on: June 28, 2017
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Enhancing Photocurrent Performance Based on Photoanode Thickness and Surface Plasmon Resonance Using Ag-TiO2
Muhammad Quisar Lokman1, Suhaidi Shafie2, Suraya Shaban3
1Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 3, 2019
Summary
Optimizing titanium dioxide (TiO2) photoanode thickness and incorporating silver-titanium dioxide (Ag-TiO2) nanocomposites significantly boosts dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) efficiency. The study found optimal TiO2 thickness and silver nanoparticle concentration enhance light absorption and electron generation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising photovoltaic technology.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photoanodes are crucial components in DSSCs.
- Enhancing light absorption and charge generation is key to improving DSSC performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of TiO2 photoanode film thickness on DSSC performance.
- To explore the effect of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in Ag-TiO2 nanocomposites on DSSC efficiency.
- To determine optimal parameters for TiO2 thickness and Ag-TiO2 composition.
Main Methods:
- TiO2 films were deposited using the doctor blade technique, with thickness controlled by Scotch tape layers.
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via chemical reduction, varying sodium citrate concentration.
- Ag-TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by mixing TiO2 powder with AgNP colloidal solution.
Main Results:
- A three-layer Scotch tape method (14.38 µm thickness) yielded optimal TiO2 film, achieving 4.14% efficiency.
- This optimal thickness enhanced dye loading and reduced charge recombination.
- Ag-TiO2 nanocomposites with 10 mM AgNP (65.23 nm diameter) achieved 6.92% efficiency, demonstrating SPR benefits.
Conclusions:
- TiO2 film thickness is a critical factor for DSSC performance.
- Ag-TiO2 nanocomposites effectively utilize SPR to enhance light absorption and photon-to-electron conversion.
- Optimized Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite photoanodes offer a pathway to higher efficiency DSSCs.
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