Enhancing photovoltaic performance of monolithic dye-sensitized solar cells through green-synthesized CuO–FeO nanocomposite counter electrodes

Abstract

Abstract To enhance monolithic dye-sensitized solar cell’s (MDSSC) photovoltaic performance, the nanoparticles and nanocomposite of green-synthesized copper oxide (CuO) and iron oxide (FeO) were effectively generated and inserted into nanoporous carbon counter electrode in this research. XRD studies carried out showed that the produced nanoparticles and nanocomposite were crystalline in nature. Furthermore, the possible chemical linkages that might be in charge of the nanoparticle generation were found using FTIR studies. Between 290 and 600 nm, the nanoparticles and nanocomposite showed optical absorption. Rod-like features were visible in the synthesized CuO–FeO nanocomposite's FE-SEM images. As a result, with 5.2% conversion efficiency, the CuO–FeO nanocomposite-based MDSSC performed better than any of the cells made using CuO and FeO nanoparticles alone.

Keywords

• Monolithic DSSCs
• Counter electrode
• Green synthesis
• CuO–FeO nanocomposite
• Photovoltaic performance