Dual effect of TiO2 and Co3O4 co-semiconductors and nanosensitizer on dye-sensitized solar cell performance

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was fabricated using nanosize of the dye sensitizer (Alizarin Yellow, AY) that was prepared by ball milling. The particle size and the composition of nano-Alizarin Yellow (nAY) was investigated using TEM and 1 H-and 13 C-NMR spectra, respectively. The effect of sensitizer size reduction on DSSC efficiency was studied. Co 3 O 4 as a semiconductor in DSSC was prepared and confirmed by XRD. Also, composite of TiO 2 and Co 3 O 4 was used to improve the DSSC efficiency. In addition, the effect of terpineol as a solvent was tested. Photocurrent-photovoltage curves of all prepared DSSCs were investigated. Finally, to test the validity of the results, standard error was calculated.