Photovoltaic Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) Fabricated by Silver Nanoclusters-Decorated TiO2 Electrode via Photochemical Reduction Technique

In this investigation, Ag@TiO2 nanocomposite was prepared by deposition of silver nanoclusters onto commercial TiO2 nanoparticles (known as P25 TiO2) via photodeposition technique as clean and simple photochemical route. The synthesized Ag@TiO2 nanocomposite was utilized in the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) chiefly because, compared to pure TiO2, the electron affinity of Ag@TiO2 nanocomposites is higher which enhances the photo-generated excitons lifetime, and as result, reduces the rate of photo-generated charge carriers recombination. Additionally, we found that via deposition of silver nanoclusters, TiO2 absorption in visible light region was considerably improved due to the surface Plasmon phenomenon. XRD results proved existence of anatase and rutile phases within TiO2 structure. Finally, photovoltaic performance and solar energy conversion efficiency of TiO2 and Ag@TiO2 electrode-based DSSC were compared and discussed.