Boosting Photovoltaic Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Silver Nanoparticle-Decorated N,S-Co-Doped-TiO2 Photoanode

Role of rare-earth oxides, conjugated with [Formula: see text], in the enhancement of power conversion efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

Different rare-earth (RE) metal-oxides nano-particles (NPs) viz. Samarium (III) oxide (Sm2O3), Neodymium (III) oxide (Nd2O3), and Gadolinium (III) oxide (Gd2O3) were synthesized using co-precipitation route, and investigated by structural, optical, and morphological studies. Findings and supporting studies were presented to understand the role of RE-metal-oxides NPs as photo-anode material for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) applications. Structural analysis of prepared RE-metaloxides, by X-ray diffraction (XRD), reveals the crystalline nature of the particles ranging from 24 to 37 nm. Morphological study by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) supports the crystalline nature in the nano range of the prepared RE-metal oxides particles. The observed d values of each sample support the growth of Gd2O3, Nd2O3, and Sm2O3 material. The band-gap of prepared material was estimated from the UV-VIS absorption data and Tauc relation. The observed band gap values are 3.55 eV, 3.31 eV, and 3.52 eV for Gd2O3, Nd2O3, and Sm2O3 respectively. These values are reasonably high compare to the bulk values, indicates the nanostructure formation. Optimized RE-metal oxides NPs employed in the form of TiO2 photo anode for the fabrication of DSSCs. FESEM confirms that the Gd2O3-based photo-anode shows more uniform and decent coverage with more porosity on the TiO2. The EIS measurements of prepared DSSCs also supported the improvement in the photovoltaic output for the modified photo-anode devices as cells with modified photo-anode exhibited less charge recombination at the photo-anode/dye/electrolyte interface with increased electron lifetime leading to improved device performance as compared to the unmodified-based DSSCs. The highest efficiency 5.51% was demonstrated by [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] photo-anode-based DSSCs compare to Sm2O3, and Nd2O3 activated photo-anode.

A DSSC Electrolyte Preparation Method Considering Light Path and Light Absorption

The electrolyte is one of the key components of dye-sensitized solar cells' (DSSC) structure. In this paper, the electrolyte formulation of a new DSSC with external photoanode structure was studied. Based on the idea that the electrolyte should match the light absorption and light path, iodine series electrolytes with different concentrations were configured and used in the experiment. The results showed that the external photoanode structure solar cells assembled with titanium electrode had the best photoelectric conversion ability when the concentration of I₂ was 0.048 M. It achieved the open circuit voltage of 0.71 V, the short circuit current of 8.87 mA, and the filling factor of 57%.

TiO2/AgO composites by one step photo reduction technique as electron transport layers (ETL) for dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cell's electron transport layer is responsible for transporting photo-generated electrons to the outer circuit. Utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR), light absorption could be enhanced to a greater degree, which can drive dye molecules to excited state more effectively than far-field light. In this work, TiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by solvothermal method, and Ag nanoparticles were decorated over TiO₂ surface through photodeposition method. XRD data of the TiO₂ sample exhibits anatase phase and in the Ag nanoparticle decorated TiO₂ sample, peaks corresponding to (111) planes of Ag was observed. UV-Vis absorption analysis of the TiO₂ and Ag decorated TiO₂ samples showed absorption in the UV region for the TiO_2, and the SPR effect was detected for the Ag deposited TiO₂ samples. Ag nanoparticles decorated over TiO₂ was observed to be spherical in shape through the images from transmission electron microscope. Presence of both Ag and AgO in the prepared sample was revealed through the data from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The prepared material was used as photoanodes in the construction of the DSSCs, and their performance was evaluated.

Rationally designed Ti3C2/N, S-TiO2/g-C3N4 ternary heterostructure with spatial charge separation for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The charge separation and transfer are the major issues dominating the under-laying energy conversion mechanism for photocatalytic system. Construction of semiconductor-based heterojunction system considered to be viable option for boosting the spatial charge separation and transfer in the photocatalytic water splitting system. Here, we design a ternary heterojunction of Ti₃C₂/N, S-TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ by thermal annealing and ultrasonic assisted impregnation method having a well-designed n-n heterojunction and noble metal free Schottky junction for adequate hydrogen evolution. The optimal content of 4 wt% Ti₃C₂ on N, S-TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ (4-TC/NST/CN) exhibit the highest rate of hydrogen generation 495.06μ mol h^-1 which is 3.1, 4.1 and 1.6 fold higher than the pristine N, S doped-TiO₂, g-C₃N₄ and binary hybrid (N, S doped-TiO₂/g-C₃N₄) respectively, with 7% apparent conversion efficiency (ACE). The increment in the activity is described to the robust photogenerated carrier separation and double charge transfer channels because of the formation of dual heterojunction (n-n heterojunction and Schottky junction). XRD and Raman results revealed the occupancy of Ti₃C₂ in the heterojunction due to the strong interaction between Ti₃C_2, with N, S doped-TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄. The HRTEM analysis confirmed the formation of close interfacial junction between the Ti₃C₂, N, S doped-TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄. Moreover, the higher photocurrent, low PL intensity and lower impedance arc suggested the lower charge carrier recombination rate in 4-TC/NST/CN heterojunction. This work represents a significant development to establish a sound foundation for future design of MXene-based ternary hybrid system towards significant charge carrier separation and transfer for H₂ production activity.

Efficiency Boost in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Post- Annealing UV-Ozone Treatment of TiO2 Mesoporous Layer

The organic residues on titanium(IV) oxide may be a significant factor that decreases the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Here, we suggest the UV-ozone cleaning process to remove impurities from the surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles before dye-sensitizing. Data obtained from scanning electron microscopy, Kelvin probe, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy showed that the amounts of organic contamination were successfully reduced. Additionally, the UV-VIS spectrophotometry, spectrofluorometry, and secondary ion mass spectrometry proved that after ozonization, the dyeing process was relevantly enhanced. Due to the removal of organics, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the prepared DSSC devices was boosted from 4.59% to 5.89%, which was mostly caused by the increment of short circuit current (J_sc) and slight improvement of the open circuit voltage (V_oc).

Toxicity of silver nanoparticles on different tissues in adult Danio rerio

Although silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are among the most studied nanomaterials by virtue of their broad application in many areas, little is known about their overall toxicity to aquatic organisms after their contamination of the water environment. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the exposure (96 h) to different AgNP concentrations on Danio rerio (zebrafish) tissues. AgNP were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing spherical AgNP of 30.00 ± 16.80 nm size. The effects of different AgNP concentrations (1, 3, and 5 μg L^-1) on brain, muscle, gill, and liver tissues of zebrafish were investigated. The results show a significant decrease in brain and muscle acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Liver and gill catalase (CAT) activity also decreased significantly. At the highest exposure concentration, muscle AChE was more inhibited (37.3%) than brain AChE (26.4%) and gill CAT was more inhibited (67.4%) than liver CAT (51.2%). D. rerio also showed gill morphological changes such as fusion of secondary lamellae, curvature, dilated marginal channel, and epithelial lifting. This study indicates that gill CAT together with morphological studies are potential biomarkers for AgNP.

Ali M, Sitther V, Ahammad AJS, Subhan MA, Uddin J. Enhancing the Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Using Silver Nanoparticles Modified Photoanode

In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized, and applied to a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) to enhance the efficiency of solar cells. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The silver nanoparticles infused titanium dioxide film was also characterized by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The performance of DSSC fabricated with silver nanoparticle-modified photoanode was compared with that of a control group. The current and voltage characteristics of the devices as well as the electrochemical impedance measurements were also carried out to assess the performance of the fabricated solar cells. The solar-to-electric efficiency of silver nanoparticles based DSSC was 1.76%, which is quite remarkable compared to the 0.98% realized for DSSC fabricated without silver nanoparticles.

Plasmon-induced Ag decorated CeO2 nanorod array for photodetector application

In this work, glancing angle deposition (GLAD) has been used to grow Ag decorated CeO₂ nanorod (NR) array on n-type Si substrate. The length of the NRs obtained was ∼235 nm and the size of the Ag NPs varied from 13 to 41 nm. The polycrystalline and crystalline nature of CeO₂ and Ag respectively was revealed via selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis as well as x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. Optical absorption measurement depicts a distinct broad peak around 413 nm that is ascribed to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Ag NPs. The Ag decorated CeO₂ NR device exhibited a turn on voltage at ∼3.2 V under dark, which then reduced to ∼1.3 V under 35 min illumination along with the increase in device current from 2.8 to 24.5 μA cm^-2 (4 V) on continuous exposure to light. Under white light illumination, a responsivity of 4.51 A W^-1 was obtained at 370 nm along with the detectivity and noise equivalent power (NEP) values of 4.15 × 10¹² jones and 0.01 pW respectively. Additionally, a fast response characteristic with rise and fall times of 74 ms and 42 ms respectively was demonstrated. Thus, these findings manifest the underlying LSPR mechanism at work in Ag/CeO₂ heterojunction and reveal its high potential in UV photodetector application.

Plasmonic enhancement of betanin-lawsone co-sensitized solar cells via tailored bimodal size distribution of silver nanoparticles

Natural pigment-based photosensitizers are an attractive pathway for realizing low cost and environmentally friendly solar cells. Here, broadband light-harvesting is achieved using two natural pigments, betanin and lawsone, absorbing in the green and blue region of the solar spectrum respectively. The use of bimodal size distribution of AgNPs tailored for each of the pigments to further increase their efficiency is the key feature of this work. This study demonstrates a significant enhancement in current-density, voltage, and efficiency by 20.1%, 5.5%, and 28.6% respectively, in a betanin-lawsone co-sensitized solar cell, via plasmonic enhancement using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The optimum sizes of the nanoparticles have been calculated by studying their optical response and electric field profiles using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations, aimed at matching their resonant wavelengths with the absorption bands of the dyes. Simulations show that AgNPs of diameters 20 nm and 60 nm are optimum for enhanced absorption by lawsone and betanin respectively. The FDTD simulations of the plasmonic photoelectrodes demonstrated 30% and 15% enhancement in the power absorption by betanin and lawsone at the LSPR peaks of the 60 nm and 20 nm AgNPs respectively. An optimum overall concentration of 2% (v/v) and a ratio of 4:1 (20 nm:60 nm) of the bimodal distribution of the AgNPs, was determined for incorporation in the photoanodes. An average efficiency of 1.02 ± 0.006% was achieved by the betanin-lawsone co-sensitized solar cell with the bimodal distribution of AgNPs, compared to 0.793 ± 0.006% achieved by the non-plasmonic solar cell of otherwise identical configuration. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that the incorporation of the bimodal distribution of AgNPs in the solar cells also enabled enhanced electron lifetime and reduced recombination compared to the non-plasmonic counterpart, thereby improving the charge transfer. The plasmonic enhancement methodology presented here can be applied to further improve the efficiency of other natural dye-sensitized solar cells.

Enhanced Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Ability of Cu-Doped Anatase TiO2 Thin Films: Theory and Experiment

Multifunctional thin films which can display both photocatalytic and antibacterial activity are of great interest industrially. Here, for the first time, we have used aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition to deposit highly photoactive thin films of Cu-doped anatase TiO2 on glass substrates. The films displayed much enhanced photocatalytic activity relative to pure anatase and showed excellent antibacterial (vs Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) ability. Using a combination of transient absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence measurements, and hybrid density functional theory calculations, we have gained nanoscopic insights into the improved properties of the Cu-doped TiO2 films. Our analysis has highlighted that the interactions between substitutional and interstitial Cu in the anatase lattice can explain the extended exciton lifetimes observed in the doped samples and the enhanced UV photoactivities observed.

Ruthenium (Ru) Doped Titanium Dioxide (P25) Electrode for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

In this study, P25-titanium dioxide (TiO2) was doped with ruthenium (Ru) by systematically varying the Ru content at 0.15, 0.30, 0.45 and 0.6 mol%. The synthesized Ru-doped TiO2 nanomaterials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, UV-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance (EIS) spectroscopy. The XRD patterns of undoped and Ru-doped TiO2 nanomaterials confirm the presence of mixed anatase and rutile phases of TiO2 while EDX spectrum confirms the presence of Ti, O and Ru. Further, UV-visible absorption spectra of doped TiO2 nanomaterial reveal a slight red shift on Ru-doping. The short circuit current density (JSC) of the cells fabricated using the Ru-doped TiO2 photoanode was found to be dependent on the amount of Ru present in TiO2. Optimized cells with 0.3 mol% Ru-doped TiO2 electrodes showed efficiency which is 20% more than the efficiency of the control cell (η = 5.8%) under stimulated illumination (100 mWcm−2, 1 sun) with AM 1.5 filter. The increase in JSC resulted from the reduced rate of recombination upon doping of Ru and this was confirmed by EIS analysis.

Light scattering effect of polyvinyl-alcohol/titanium dioxide nanofibers in the dye-sensitized solar cell

In the present work, polyvinyl-alcohol/titanium dioxide (PVA/TiO2) nanofibers are utilized as a light scattering layer (LSL) on top of the TiO2 nanoparticles photoanode. The TiO2 nanoparticles decorated PVA/TiO2 nanofibers display a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.06%, which is 33% higher than TiO2 nanoparticles without LSL, demonstrating the incorporation of PVA/TiO2 nanofibers as LSL reduces the radiation loss and increases the excitation of the electron that leads to high PCE. The incorporation of PVA/TiO2 nanofibers as LSL also increases the electron life time and charge collection efficiency in comparison to the TiO2 nanoparticles without LSL.

Room temperature Mg reduction of TiO2: formation mechanism and application in photocatalysis

A Mg/HCl infiltrated metal oxide structure was designed as a facile approach for implanting oxygen vacancies and H atoms into metal oxides.

Dendrimer-based Nanoparticle for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells with Improved Efficiency

Dye sensitized solar cells were fabricated with DyLight680 (DL680) dye and its corresponding europium conjugated dendrimer, DL680-Eu-G5PAMAM, to study the effect of europium on the current and voltage characteristics of the DL680 dye sensitized solar cell. The dye samples were characterized by using Absorption Spectroscopy, Emission Spectroscopy, Fluorescence lifetime and Fourier Transform Infrared measurements. Transmission electron microscopy imaging was carried out on the DL680-Eu-G5PAMAM dye and DL680-Eu-G5PAMAM dye sensitized titanium dioxide nanoparticles to analyze the size of the dye molecules and examine the interaction of the dye with titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The DL680-Eu-G5PAMAM dye sensitized solar cells demonstrated an enhanced solar-to-electric energy conversion of 0.32% under full light illumination (100 mWcm⁻², AM 1.5 Global) in comparison with that of DL680 dye sensitized cells which recorded an average solar-to-electric energy conversion of only 0.19%. The improvement of the efficiency could be due to the presence of the europium that enhances the propensity of dye to absorb sunlight.

Ag@Nb2O5 plasmonic blocking layer for higher efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells

Engineering photons on a nanoscale via guidance and localization by metal nanostructures has a profound influence on the performance of devices that try to mimic the process of photosynthesis. The conventional route for the synthesis of plasmonic nanoparticles and their integration into the porous structure of the photoanode either directly or after being capped with a dielectric material not only adds to the complexity but also to the cost of the cell. The present study introduces the concept of a plasmonic blocking layer that concurrently acts as a light harvester and an electron-blocking layer in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), wherein the plasmonic silver nanoparticles are incorporated into an Nb2O5 blocking layer by a simple one-step process. The cell with the plasmonic blocking layer achieves an efficiency of 9.24% when compared with a cell with a non-plasmonic blocking layer (7.6%), registering an impressive enhancement in the efficiency by 22%. Moreover, the cell with the plasmonic blocking layer shows an improvement in the efficiency by 49% when compared with the cell without a blocking layer (6.19%).

Nanoarchitectures in dye-sensitized solar cells: metal oxides, oxide perovskites and carbon-based materials

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have aroused great interest and been regarded as a potential renewable energy resource among the third-generation solar cell technologies to fulfill the 21^st century global energy demand. DSSCs have notable advantages such as low cost, easy fabrication process and being eco-friendly in nature. The progress of DSSCs over the last 20 years has been nearly constant due to some limitations, like poor long-term stability, narrow absorption spectrum, charge carrier transportation and collection losses and poor charge transfer mechanism for regeneration of dye molecules. The main challenge for the scientific community is to improve the performance of DSSCs by using different approaches, like finding new electrode materials with suitable nanoarchitectures, dyes in composition with promising semiconductors and metal quantum dot fluorescent dyes, and cost-effective hole transporting materials (HTMs). This review focuses on DSSC photo-physics, which includes charge separation, effective transportation, collection and recombination processes. Different nanostructured materials, including metal oxides, oxide perovskites and carbon-based composites, have been studied for photoanodes, and counter electrodes, which are crucial to achieve DSSC devices with higher efficiency and better stability.

Synthesis of C–N–S co-doped TiO2 mischcrystal with an isobandgap characteristic and its photocatalytic activity under visible light

In this paper, a simple thermal decomposition synthesis route for a carbon–nitrogen–sulfur (C–N–S) co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO₂) mischcrystal with an isobandgap property for visible light applications using urea as the C, and N Ti(SO₄)₂ as S source is reported.

Systematic characterization of the effect of Ag@TiO2 nanoparticles on the performance of plasmonic dye-sensitized solar cells

The use of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in an effort to enhance their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) increases light absorbance of the cells but also affect their electron dynamics. This has contributed to the failure of plasmonic NPs to make the expected high impact of PCE enhancement. Herein, we investigated the wide range effects of plasmonic NPs on the performance of DSSCs, using extended characterization and a systematic approach. We prepared DSSCs using Ag@TiO₂ NPs-doped TiO₂ photoanodes. Using a wide range doping concentration, we obtained panchromatic enhancement effect with two optimal doping concentrations (0.1 and 1 wt. %).They enhanced PCE via mainly: a) optimal band alignment for efficient charge injection; and b) a balance of the negative and positive effects of plasmonic NPs on cell performance parameters (open circuit voltage, fill factor, charge transfer resistance against recombination, electron life time and charge collection efficiency); respectively. The PCE of the pristine sample increased from 4.66 to 4.88 and 5.00% via these 2 routes, respectively. The major cause of not obtaining very high PCE was charge recombination from high charge density. Thus, these observations might serve as invaluable guidance for the preparation of highly efficient plasmonic DSSCs.

A Study on Doped Heterojunctions in TiO2 Nanotubes: An Efficient Photocatalyst for Solar Water Splitting

The two important factors that affect sunlight assisted water splitting ability of TiO₂ are its charge recombination and large band gap. We report the first demonstration of nitrogen doped triphase (anatase-rutile-brookite) TiO₂ nanotubes as sun light active photocatalyst for water splitting with high quantum efficiency. Nitrogen doped triphase TiO₂ nanotubes, corresponding to different nitrogen concentrations, are synthesized electrochemically. Increase in nitrogen concentration in triphase TiO₂ nanotubes is found to induce brookite to anatase phase transformation. The variation in density of intra-band states (Ti³⁺ and N 2p states) with increase in nitrogen doping are found to be critical in tuning the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanotubes. The presence of bulk heterojunctions in single nanotube of different nitrogen doped TiO₂ samples is confirmed from HRTEM analysis. The most active nitrogen doped triphase TiO₂ nanotubes are found to be 12 times efficient compared to pristine triphase TiO₂, for solar hydrogen generation. The band alignment and charge transfer pathways in nitrogen doped TiO₂ with triphase heterojunctions are delineated. Bulk heterojunctions among the three phases present in the nanotubes with intra-band defect states is shown to enhance the photocatalytic activity tremendously. Our study also confirms the theory that three phase system is efficient in photocatalysis compared to two phase system.

Fabrication, Optimization and Characterization of Natural Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

The dyes extracted from pomegranate and berry fruits were successfully used in the fabrication of natural dye sensitized solar cells (NDSSC). The morphology, porosity, surface roughness, thickness, absorption and emission characteristics of the pomegranate dye sensitized photo-anode were studied using various analytical techniques including FESEM, EDS, TEM, AFM, FTIR, Raman, Fluorescence and Absorption Spectroscopy. Pomegranate dye extract has been shown to contain anthocyanin which is an excellent light harvesting pigment needed for the generation of charge carriers for the production of electricity. The solar cell’s photovoltic performance in terms of efficiency, voltage, and current was tested with a standard illumination of air-mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5 G) having an irradiance of 100 mW/cm². After optimization of the photo-anode and counter electrode, a photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of 2%, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.39 mV, and a short-circuit current density (Isc) of 12.2 mA/cm² were obtained. Impedance determination showed a relatively low charge-transfer resistance (17.44 Ω) and a long lifetime, signifying a reduction in recombination losses. The relatively enhanced efficiency is attributable in part to the use of a highly concentrated pomegranate dye, graphite counter electrode and TiCl₄ treatment of the photo-anode.

Gold-silver@TiO2 nanocomposite-modified plasmonic photoanodes for higher efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells

In the present investigation, gold-silver@titania (Au-Ag@TiO₂) plasmonic nanocomposite materials with different Au and Ag compositions were prepared using a simple one-step chemical reduction method and used as photoanodes in high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The Au-Ag incorporated TiO₂ photoanode demonstrated an enhanced solar-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency of 7.33%, which is ∼230% higher than the unmodified TiO₂ photoanode (2.22%) under full sunlight illumination (100 mW cm^-2, AM 1.5G). This superior solar energy conversion efficiency was mainly due to the synergistic effect between the Au and Ag, and their surface plasmon resonance effect, which improved the optical absorption and interfacial charge transfer by minimizing the charge recombination process. The influence of the Au-Ag composition on the overall energy conversion efficiency was also explored, and the optimized composition with TiO₂ was found to be Au₇₅-Ag₂₅. This was reflected in the femtosecond transient absorption dynamics in which the electron-phonon interaction in the Au nanoparticles was measured to be 6.14 ps in TiO₂/Au₇₅:Ag₂₅, compared to 2.38 ps for free Au and 4.02 ps for TiO₂/Au₁₀₀:Ag₀. The slower dynamics indicates a more efficient electron-hole separation in TiO₂/Au₇₅:Ag₂₅ that is attributed to the formation of a Schottky barrier at the interface between TiO₂ and the noble metal(s) that acts as an electron sink. The significant boost in the solar energy conversion efficiency with the Au-Ag@TiO₂ plasmonic nanocomposite showed its potential as a photoanode for high-efficiency DSSCs.

Iron–manganese–titanium (1 : 1 : 2) oxide composite thin films for improved photocurrent efficiency

Fe₂MnTi₃O₁₀–MnTiO₃ composite thin films with a photocurrent density of 1.88 mA cm⁻² at 0.2 V have been deposited through AACVD.

Impact of chromium doping on physical, optical, electronic and photovoltaic properties of nanoparticle TiO2photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cells

Electronic band structure and photovoltaic performance of Cr-doped TiO₂DSCs.

In Situ Gelation of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanospheres for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: The Analysis on the Efficiency Enhancement upon Gelation

The in situ gelation that utilizes the dissolution of polymers inside the cell is allowed high concentration polymer gel without concerns regarding high viscous electrolyte incorporation into the cell as in the conventional approach. We demonstrate the in situ gelation of polymer composite electrolytes using poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanospheres (PVdF NSs). The PVdF NSs were synthesized by high pressure emulsion polymerization using gaseous vinylidene fluoride monomers. Compared to the liquid electrolyte (LE) DSCs without PVdF gelation, the PVdF polymer gel electrolyte (PGE) DSCs displayed higher η than the LE DSCs; specifically, the 10 wt % PVdF PGE DSCs display 8.1% of the η, while the LE DSCs only display 6.5%. We characterized the effect of PVdF PGE on the photovoltaic parameters in detail. We also compared the long-term stability of DSCs containing LE and PVdF PGE. The DSCs with PVdF PGE exhibited high stability compared to the LE DSCs, similar to a conventional PGE system. We believe that this facile in situ gelation approach could be utilized for not only the practical application of polymer gel electrolytes DSCs but also for various energy-storage devices.

Recent Development of Plasmonic Resonance-Based Photocatalysis and Photovoltaics for Solar Utilization

Increasing utilization of solar energy is an effective strategy to tackle our energy and energy-related environmental issues. Both solar photocatalysis (PC) and solar photovoltaics (PV) have high potential to develop technologies of many practical applications. Substantial research efforts are devoted to enhancing visible light activation of the photoelectrocatalytic reactions by various modifications of nanostructured semiconductors. This review paper emphasizes the recent advancement in material modifications by means of the promising localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) mechanisms. The principles of LSPR and its effects on the photonic efficiency of PV and PC are discussed here. Many research findings reveal the promise of Au and Ag plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs). Continual investigation for increasing the stability of the plasmonic NPs will be fruitful.

HfO2 nanodots incorporated in TiO2 and its hydrogenation for high performance dye sensitized solar cells

HfO₂ nanodots are incorporated in TiO₂ and hydrogenated together resulting in a photoelectrode material with a bandgap of 2.4 eV. The material exhibits interesting optical properties that are best suited for solar applications.

Variable temperature spectroelectrochemistry study of silver-doped TiO2 and its influence on the performance of dye sensitized solar cells

Doping a TiO₂ semiconductor with Ag is a promising way to achieve improvements in the properties of DSSCs.

Facile fabrication and photoelectrochemical properties of a CuO nanorod photocathode with a ZnO nanobranch protective layer

Photoelectrochemical properties of CuO/ZnO photoelectrodes fabricated with nanorod and film structures were investigated and the effect of surface morphology on their photoelectrochemical performance was discussed in detail.