Plasmonic TiO2/Al@ZnO nanocomposite-based novel dye-sensitized solar cell with 11.4% power conversion efficiency. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pugazhendhi, K.; Praveen, B.; Sharmila, D.J.; Sahaya Selva Mary, J.; Naveen Kumar, P.; Bharathilenin, V.; Merline Shyla, J.
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 215(2021)
• Page Start: 443
• Page End: 450
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Plasmon -- DSSC -- TiO2/ZnO Nanocomposite -- Pt-free counter electrode -- Photoconductivity -- Solar cell; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2020.12.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: A novel DSSC based on TiO2 /Al@ZnO nanocomposite photoanode features 11.4% PCE. Plasmon-induced PL in TiO2 /Al@ZnO is ascribed to resonant excitation of Al plasmons. Remarkable enhancement of conductivity in TiO2 /Al@ZnO under illumination. Establishment of a facile silver counter electrode via thermal curing process. Abstract: We report the synthesis, characterization and effect of infusion of aluminium plasmons (Al 3+ ) into titania/zinc oxide (TiO2 /Al@ZnO or TAZ) nanocomposite photoanode on the efficiency of novel plasmonic Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). On comparison with bare titania/zinc oxide (TiO2 /ZnO or TZ) nanocomposite, plasmonic TAZ exhibits a negligible change in crystallographic and morphological properties, whereas the photoconduction and light harvesting capability are significantly enhanced. Prompted by surface plasmon modes, TAZ exhibits strong emissions in the blue-yellow region of visible spectrum, as observed with photoluminescence (PL) study. Owing to plasmon-induced PL, light enhancement takes place within the photoanode. Therefore, photoconductivity of TAZ is observed to be 4 folds higher than that of TZ. The narrowing of bandgap upon Al 3+ infusion is confirmed by Kubelka-Munk plot and cyclic voltammetry. Specifically, we also focused on the architecture of novel DSSCs with silver counter electrode via a facile preparation method for the first time. Blending the advantages of nanocomposite, surface plasmon resonance and bandgap narrowing, the multifaceted TAZ features with short-circuit current density JSC ~ 33 mA cm −2, open-circuit voltage VOC ~ 0.41 V, Fill-factor FF ~ 0.81 and a remarkable efficiency of 11.4%, which opens up the opportunity to optimize and design a new class of next generation plasmonic DSSCs.