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A novel f-MWCNT-based nanocomposite for enhancement of photoconversion efficiency of DSSC

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Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate the strategic incorporation of p-type NiO and f-MWCNTs into n-type TiO2-active layer that leads to significant augmentation in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The NiO@f-MWCNT composites were prepared by in situ precipitation method with different concentrations of MWCNTs. The presence of NiO as and MWCNTs has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The structural orientation was also confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The optical measurements like UV–Vis absorbance and photoluminescence spectra confirmed the band gap, absorption and electronic transitions. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism exists in between N719 dye and NiO. The electrochemical measurements confirmed the facile charge transfer kinetics within all the samples and delivered superior PCE values of composites. However, the highest PCE values of 6.50% were observed in 20% composite due to maximum charge transfer kinetics and least recombination processes. The improvement in PCE values due to enhanced light-absorbing ability as well as superior charge conducting ability, lower internal resistance and lower charge recombination rate of NiO@f-MWCNT perfectly matching with N719 dye. As a strategic incorporation, nearly 34% enhancement was noticed in PCE values over bare TiO2 photoanode, opening new horizons for photoanode modification using uniquely functionalized MWCNT.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would also like to thank the Department of Science and Technology (DST-WOS-A) through SR/WOS-A/CS-79/2018 for the financial support in this project.

Funding

The research leading to these results received funding from Department of Science and Technology (DST-WOS-A) through grant agreement no. SR/WOS-A/CS-79/2018.

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  1. Nidhi Prajapati and Hiren K. Machhi have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, 390001, India

    Nidhi Prajapati & C. N. Murthy

  2. Department of Chemistry, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, 388120, Gujarat, India

    Hiren K. Machhi & Saurabh S. Soni

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CNM: designed the experiments and was responsible for the overall writing of the manuscript and interpretation of the data. SSS: was involved in designing some experiments and data interpretation. The authors contribution has been mentioned with a "#" on the title page. NP and HM: contributed equally to the experimental work.

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Prajapati, N., Murthy, C.N., Machhi, H.K. et al. A novel f-MWCNT-based nanocomposite for enhancement of photoconversion efficiency of DSSC. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 34, 2129 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-023-11558-5

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