Carbon nanotubes reinforced poly (methyl methacrylate) polymer composites for the application as classic performance quasi-solid-state dye-Sensitized solar cell electrolytes

Our study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of solar power systems by developing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with an electrolyte of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed in poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Photovoltaic and impedance spectral studies showed that a polymer electrolyte with 3% carbon nanotubes resulted in an efficiency of solar power conversion of 7.40% and a photovoltaic current per unit cross-sectional area of 17.13 mA/cm2 in DSSCs. The optimal distribution of CNT fillers decreased the charge recombination of the titanium dioxide-dye-CNT-PMMA electrolyte surface. The X-ray diffraction spectrum showed characteristic peaks of PMMA and CNT at 28.6° and 63.0°, respectively, obtained in pure form and composites with dispersed carbon nanotubes. The peak intensity increased with the addition of CNTs in the polymer. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigation revealed the bonding within the CO and CH of PMMA and CNT to the polymer composite. The dielectric constant increased from 2.9 to 4.4, and the dielectric loss increased from 0.10 to 0.90 at 1 MHz for the dispersion of 6% CNT in PMMA. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the internal particle structure and porosity had changed due to the presence of the CNTs in the PMMA. The dispersion of CNTs into the PMMA increased the maximum voltage of the polymer electrolytes. A breakdown voltage of 7.4 kV was attained with 6% CNTs in the polymer.