Fabrication of TiO2-Ag composites for working electrode of dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

A solar cell is a device that can convert solar energy into electrical energy. The third generation of solar cells is Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). Typically, DSSC consists of a working electrode (semiconductive metal oxide), a photosensitizer, an electrolyte, and a counter electrode (platinum or carbon electrode). Among the components, a working electrode is one of the crucial components to control the electrochemical performance. This study examines variations in Ag composition in TiO2-Ag composites against efficiency using two materials and fabrication methods. First, using the solid-state method, TiO2-Ag composites were fabricated from Ag paste and TiO2 paste. The highest efficiency results were achieved at TiO2 N-RT + Ag 1%. The efficiency increased from 1.05% to 1.51% compared to TiO2 without Ag doping. Second, using the solvothermal method, TiO2-Ag composites were fabricated from AgNO3 and TiO2 particles. The highest efficiency results were obtained at TiO2 NP + Ag 0.75%. The efficiency increased from 0.82% to 1.07% compared to TiO2 without Ag doping. Furthermore, the material with the best efficiency was characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM to identify the material’s functional groups, phases, and morphology, respectively.