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Process optimization of dye-sensitized solar cells using \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\)–graphene nanocomposites

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Abstract

\(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\)–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 \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\) 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 (\(J_{\mathrm{SC}}\)) of \(18.4\,\hbox {mA}\,\hbox {cm}^{-2}\) and efficiency (\(\eta \)) of 4.69%.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to UGC-SAP (DRS-II), Department of Physics, Delhi University (New Delhi) and IUAC (an autonomous centre of UGC) for providing the facilities of XRD, J–V characteristics and FESEM with EDX, respectively.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laser Laboratory, Department of Physics, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001, India

    Bulkesh Siwach & Devendra Mohan

  2. Department of Applied Science, The NorthCap University, Gurgoan, 122017, India

    Sunita Sharma

  3. Department of Physics, University College, Faridkot, 151202, India

    Divya Jyoti

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  1. Bulkesh Siwach
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  2. Devendra Mohan
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  4. Divya Jyoti
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Correspondence to Bulkesh Siwach.

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Siwach, B., Mohan, D., Sharma, S. et al. Process optimization of dye-sensitized solar cells using \(\hbox {TiO}_{2}\)–graphene nanocomposites. Bull Mater Sci 40, 1371–1377 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-017-1492-z

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