Investigation of G / RGO-ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposite with ZnO different morphology and its effect on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell efficiency

In the present study, the role of morphology of nanoparticles (NP) of titanium and zinc oxide and nanorods (NR) of zinc oxide with graphene was investigated on the properties of the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell, In this regard, TiO2 nanoparticles are deposited on ZnO nanorods and nanoparticles, covered on graphene (G) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) on doped tin oxide glass with fluorine (FTO) using the Dip coating device respectively. Then, the thin-layer nanoparticles made into the N719 pigment solution for 24 hours were sensitized, and subsequently the thin-film nanocomposites (photo-anodes) were bonded with a platinum electrode, and the electrolyte was injected into the cell through the cavities contained in the platinum electrode. EIS, XRD, IV and FESEM techniques were employed for identification of phase analysis, microstructural, electrical properties and optical properties. The results showed that not only the morphology of the ZnO layer but also the type of TiO2 coating process affects the properties of the (G / RGO) -ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposites. According to the results, nanocomposite RGO-ZnO (NP) -TiO2 (NP), in which TiO2 was coated on ZnO nanoparticles, had higher yields than RGO-ZnO (NR) -TiO2 (NP) samples with the presence of ZnO nanorods. Also, the presence of functional groups on the photo-anode surface due to the presence of RGO in these specimens has lower electrical conductivity and efficiency, the results of the G-ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposite confirm the above result.