Enhanced Photovoltaic Parameters of Titania/Graphene Nanocomposites Based Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

The efficiency of carbon-based dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is improved by mixing titania with graphene (GR) sheets. The composite films of GR sheets and TiO2 were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The grinding of GR with TiO2 leads to smaller size TiO2 nanoparticles which increases their surface area. The photovoltaic efficiency varied with the mixing ratio giving the highest efficiency at a ratio of 1 wt. % of GR to TiO2. The increase in the photovoltaic efficiency is more than doubled the one without GR under the same conditions. Mesoporous carbon from candle flame and N3 dye were used instead of Pt and N719 dye to reduce the cost.