Modification of the working electrode using Silver Nanoparticle (AgNP) doping to enhance the efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC)

Abstract This study investigated the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) doping concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10% on the photoanode to enhance the performance efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were synthesized from silver nitrate solution (AgNO 3 ) with a green synthesis method using andrographis paniculata (Sambiloto) leaf extract, which acts as a bio-reductor. Andrographis paniculata leaves were chosen due to their andrographolide content, which serves as an effective bio-reductor. The AgNPs were incorporated in TiO 2 , functioning as the working electrode. The dye utilized was Ruthenium Complex N719, with Platinum (Pt) as the counter electrode. Both the photoanode and counter electrodes were deposited on the substrates using the spin coating method. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) tests revealed morphological photoanode. Additionally, Ultraviolet-Visible (Uv-Vis) spectroscopy indicated absorbance and band gap energy values. Specifically, the bandgap energies were 3.284, 3.271 eV, and 3.250 eV for Ag doping concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. This study found that Ag doping at a 5% concentration significantly enhanced efficiency compared to 0%, where the highest efficiency was achieved by this sample. Nevertheless, Ag doping with 10% concentration caused a decrease in efficiency due to particle agglomeration. These findings were corroborated by I-V Meter characterization, which measured the photovoltaic performance. The efficiency values were 0.097%, 0.798%, and 0.367% for doping concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. The results suggest that an optimal doping concentration of AgNP can significantly improve the efficiency of DSSC.