Enhancing DSSC Performance through Chlorophyll and Porphyrin Dye Incorporation on TiO2-ZnO: Al Composites

Abstract

This research systematically investigates the impact of porphyrin and chlorophyll dyes on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) performance, aims to achieve maximum solar cell efficiency. This investigation involved the use of Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) coating with TiO2–ZnO composite, incorporating Al doping, and introducing variations in the concentration of chlorophyll SP and porphyrin (2:2:0.1 and 2:2:0.2). Synthesis of Al-doped ZnO was carried out via the sol-gel method, which involves mixing and heating at 65°C, followed by degradation at 150°C. TiO2 and ZnO: Al composites were formed using the sonication method at 45°C for 60 minutes. This study evaluates the impact of dyes on the growth of TiO2 and ZnO: Al composites and examines their characteristics - including UV-Vis, band gap, current versus voltage curves, DSSC efficiency-using EDX, and FTIR analyses of solar cells. The DSSC efficiency testing utilizes a photon light source from a halogen lamp with an intensity of 328-580 lux. The results showed that DSSC based on TiO2–ZnO: Al + chlorophyll produced an efficiency of 13.3%, while porphyrin (2:2:0.1) and (2:2:0.2) produced an efficiency of 8.9% and 13.9%, respectively. In conclusion, this study shows that adding dye to the TiO2–ZnO: Al composite significantly improves DSSC performance and shows optimal characteristics. The highest DSSC efficiency of 13.9% underscores the interdependence of absorber layer quality with photovoltaic performance, providing valuable insights for future solar cell design and optimization.