The efficiency of ZnO/platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) nanocomposite photoanode at dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

In the present work, we have been studied the applications of ZnO/platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) nanocomposites as photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The structural properties of ZnO:PtOEP nanocomposites were examined by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analysis which confirm the hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure. Also, the simultaneous existence of PtOEP and ZnO in XRD and Raman mode was confirmed the formation of nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy image of the surface morphology confirms the presence of PtOEP particle in the film. The variation in the weight ratios of ZnO:PtOEP is taken to optimize the performance of the DSSC. The photovoltaic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data indicate that the optimum performance can be achieved at ZnO:PtOEP(1:0.009). Also, the (EIS) measurement of ZnO:PtOEP(1:0.009) photoanode shows displayed faster electron transport, significantly increased electron lifetime, and higher charge collection efficiency than those of pure ZnO.