Experimental and theoretical insights into enhanced light harvesting in dye-sensitized solar cells via Au@TiO2 core-shell and BaTiO3 nanoparticles

Background

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an attractive choice among third-generation solar cells due to their affordability and eco-friendliness, making them a promising solution for sustainable energy production. Enhancing the light-capturing efficiency of photoanodes is crucial for improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs.

Methods

In this study, we developed core-shell Au@TiO₂ (ATO) particles to enhance light harvesting and BaTiO₃ (BTO) nanoparticles to act as a scattering layer. These nanoparticles were incorporated into a photoanode, paired with a commercial N719 sensitizer, an iodide/triiodide redox liquid electrolyte, and a Pt cathode. The performance of the assembled DSSC was compared with traditional TiO₂ photoanodes, and further theoretical analysis was conducted using the solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) to examine PCE variations with ATO layer thickness (2–20 μm).

Significant findings

The DSSC with an ATO/BTO-based photoanode achieved a PCE of 8.76 %, significantly higher than the 6.72 % PCE of cells using bare TiO₂ photoanodes. This efficiency enhancement is attributed to improved light scattering, reduced charge recombination, and minimized core particle corrosion due to the perovskite oxide layer. Enhanced plasmonic effects also led to superior light absorption and improved charge carrier generation and separation.