Efficiency of FTO/Graphene-based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Abstract

The focus of this research is to improve the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) through the adoption of high-quality FTO thin films and incorporation of graphene with DSSC photoanode to enhance its electrical transport. In this research, nanostructured FTO films were first grown with homemade Streaming Process for Electroless and Electrochemical Deposition technology (SPEED) using Tin (II) chloride dihydrate and ammonium fluoride and other chemical formulations. The FTO structural property was measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD); the films' optical property was determined with transmittance spectra to curve over the wavelength range of 200-1000 nm measured with a spectrophotometer while scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to determine the morphological properties of the samples. The electrical transport was evaluated by Hall Effect measurements at room temperature with a four-point probe. The FTO samples with the best structural, optical and electrical properties were employed as electrodes and counter electrodes of DSSC along with titanium dioxide. Thus, effect of graphene on the efficiency of DSSC was investigated. It was shown that a graphene-based DSSC showed an efficiency of 7.98% which is slightly higher than that of DSSC prototype without graphene (6.02%). The higher efficiency obtained with graphene can be credited to the ultrahigh surface area and thermal conductivity of graphene which tend to enhance the charge mobility and photovoltaic performance of DSSC. More research is however required to determine the exact amount of graphene that could achieve optimal DSSC performance. Further studies will also offer an adequate clarification for starting point of the better incorporation of graphene in DSSCs.