Optimization of TiO2/Ag Photoanode Thickness for Improvement Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) Performance With Simulation Method

Abstract

Photoanode is an important component of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) because of its function as a supporting molecule for the transfer of dyes and electrons. TiO2 material photoanode has low mobility and is non-toxic, thus affecting Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) performance. The addition of Ag nanoparticle on the surface of TiO2 have the advantage of slowing down the electron recombination so that it can make TiO2 increase the energy or electric current produced. This simulation study aims to determine the Jsc addition of Ag nanoparticles to TiO2 with different thickness variations and to determine the Jsc produced from the TiO2/Ag photoanode at a thickness of 1 μm-100μm. The simulation results have shown that the highest Jsc by adding Ag nanoparticles to TiO2 at 44.0 nm thickness. Meanwhile, the optimal thickness of the TiO2/Ag photoanode was 10 μm with a Jsc value of 15.4 mA/cm2. The TiO2/Ag photoanode, which has the optimal thickness, will decrease thereafter. This study shows that Ag nanoparticles in TiO2 give an important role in enhancing Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) performance.