Effect of Few-Layered Graphene-Based CdO Nanocomposite-Enhanced Power Conversion Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Abstract

A few-layered graphene (FLG)/cadmium oxide (CdO) nanocomposite was sucessfully prepared through ultrasonic-assisted synthesis. The morphology of FLG (1.0 wt.%, 2.0 wt.%, and 3.0 wt.%)/CdO nanocomposites were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques. The optical properties were studied with the help of UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, while the crystalline phases were analyzed using x-ray diffraction. The doctor blade method was used to deposit FLG/CdO nanocomposites on fluorine-doped tin oxide conductive glass substrates. The effect of FLG weight percentage (1.0 wt.%, 2.0 wt.%, and 3.0 wt.%) was studied on the power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell applications. The photovoltaic characteristics, current density–voltage curves were measured with ruthenium (II)-based dye under air mass condition 1.5G, 100 m W m−2 of a solar simulator. The results showed that higher power conversion efficiency of 3.54% was achieved at the appropriate weight percentage of FLG (1.0 wt.%)/CdO nanocomposite, compared to the CdO and other nanocomposite working electrodes FLG (2.0 wt.%, and 3.0 wt.%)/CdO.