Synthesis and application of Fe ₃ O ₄ @nanocellulose/TiCl as a nanofiller for high performance of quasisolid‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Summary In this research, to optimize the surface of the photoanode, two different types of surface coatings were used and their effects on the photovoltaic parameters were investigated. Also, to compare the two different electrolytic systems based on liquid and gel‐state electrolyte, the novel magnetic core‐shell nanocellulose/titanium chloride (Fe3O4@)NCs/TiCl) nanocomposite was introduced into a polymeric system as a nanofiller to decrease the crystallinity of the polymer and enhance the diffusion of triiodide ions in quasisolid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells (QS‐DSSCs). For this purpose, Fe3O4@)NCs/TiCl was synthesized by coprecipitation of Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions in the presence of nanocellulose and then used as magnetic support for bonding TiCl4 to prepare QS‐DSSCs. Containing a 10.0 wt% magnetic nanocomposite, it displayed a higher apparent diffusion coefficient (Dapp) for I3− ions (4.10 × 10−6 cm2/s) than the gel polymeric electrolyte (GPE) did (1.35 × 10−6 cm2/s). GPEs were characterized using various techniques including current density‐voltage curves, AC impedance measurements, and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The photovoltaic values for the short‐circuit current density (Jsc), open‐circuit voltage (VOC), and fill factor (FF) and the energy conversion efficiency (η) of the novel Fe3O4@NCs/TiCl nanocomposite–based QS‐DSSCs were 14.90 mA cm−2, 0.757 V, 64%, and 7.22%, respectively.

Enhancement of photovoltaic performance using a novel photocathode based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/Ag–CuO nanocomposite in dye-sensitized solar cells

“…The novel PEDOT/Ag-CuO nanocomposite CE has a superior J lim . The latter is directly proportional to the diffusion coefficient (D) [27]:…”

“…The inset shows the equivalent circuit of different CEs. The charge-transfer resistance (R CT ) value is used to measure the catalytic activity; a lower R CT signifies a higher ECA and vice versa [27]. The series resistance (R S ) was estimated from the intercept…”

Nanocellulose-Based Conductive Membranes for Free-Standing Supercapacitors: A Review

“…The nanocellulose-based solar cells with excellent optic transparency and flexibility can be widely applied in wearable electronics to fill up the rapidly increasing demand for consumer electronics. A recent study developed a nanocellulose-based flexible perovskite solar cell by coating PEDOT:PSS doped with Triton-X 100 and ethylene glycol [127]. This transparent solar cell can retain over 80% of energy storage efficiency after 50 times of bending.…”

“…This transparent solar cell can retain over 80% of energy storage efficiency after 50 times of bending. It shows great potential for transparent conductive electrodes, touch screens, and transistors [127]. Another recent study developed a nanocellulose-based magnetic core–shell with titanium chloride composite as a dye-sensitive solar cell.…”

A Versatile Strategy for the Fabrication of Poly(ethyl methacrylate) Composites

“…Polymer-nanocellulose composites have many applications for food packaging [24], barrier coatings [25], and supercapacitors [26]. Moreover, nanocellulose is under investigation for various optical applications [27], protective barrier coatings [28], electrochromic thin film devices [29], and solar cells [30]. Various drug materials were incorporated in polymer composites [31].…”