Process optimization of dye-sensitized solar cells using TiO2–graphene nanocomposites

TiO 2 –graphene (TGR) nanocomposites with varying concentrations of graphene from 0 to 1 wt% were prepared by direct mix method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra confirmed the incorporation of graphene in photoanode material, which was further supported by field emission scanning electron microscopy...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bulletin of materials science 2017-12, Vol.40 (7), p.1371-1377
Main Authors: Siwach, Bulkesh, Mohan, Devendra, Sharma, Sunita, Jyoti, Divya
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry and Materials Science
Composite materials
Dye-sensitized solar cells
Dyes
Electrodes
Electrolytes
Engineering
Field emission microscopy
Glass substrates
Graphene
Materials Science
Morphology
Nanocomposites
Photoelectric effect
Photoluminescence
Tethering
Titanium dioxide
Visible spectrum
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Summary:TiO 2 –graphene (TGR) nanocomposites with varying concentrations of graphene from 0 to 1 wt% were prepared by direct mix method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra confirmed the incorporation of graphene in photoanode material, which was further supported by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The UV–visible spectrum of these nanocomposites shifted towards higher wavelength region as compared to pure TiO 2 that indicated a reduced band gap and hence, enhanced absorption bandwidth. Significant reduction in electron–hole recombination was confirmed from photoluminescence spectroscopy. These TGR nanocomposite films after tethering with black dye were employed as photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The efficiency of solar cells at varying concentrations of graphene (in photoandes) was also investigated. TGR 0.25 wt% nanocomposite showed the highest photocurrent density ( J SC ) of 18.4 mA cm - 2 and efficiency ( η ) of 4.69%.
ISSN:0250-4707
0973-7669
DOI:10.1007/s12034-017-1492-z