Silver Nanoparticles in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

28th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 2740-2744
A plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is reported. An isopropanol solution of silver nitrate has been used for dip-coating of TiO2 layers. The Ag nanoparticles (NPs) throughout the active layer have been formed after a heat treatment above 100 °C. Absorption measurements, current-voltage characteristics, external quantum efficiency and the amount of adsorbed dye have been applied to examine the plasmonic effect. Firstly, the 220 °C has been determined as the optimal heat treatment temperature of the TiO2-Ag layers, resulting in the most intensive absorption enhancement and it was used for the preparation of the DSSCs. The I-V characterization of the DSSCs revealed an increase of the short circuit current in the presence of Ag nanoparticles, although the amount of the adsorbed dye decreased. These results confirm performance enhancement related to the plasmonic effect. However neither a thin sol-gel TiO2 layer or a poly(4-vinylpyridine) shells could provide effective protection for a long term stability of the Ag nanoparticles against the corrosion of I3 -/I- based electrolyte.