TiO2/MoS2-rGO composite Photoanodes: A Path to improved electron transport and photovoltaic efficiency in Dye-Sensitized solar cells

Improving the efficiency and viability of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) depends largely on addressing the material limitations of key components. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely regarded as the best-performing semiconductor for DSSC photoanodes, yet its binary composition imposes constraints that prevent DSSCs from achieving their full potential. In this study, we demonstrate that incorporating two-dimensional (2D) materials into TiO2 in the form of a nanocomposite significantly enhances its performance. Specifically, we investigate the application of a TiO2/MoS2-rGO nanocomposite as a photoanode material in DSSCs. While this composite has previously shown promise as an electrode material for supercapacitors and batteries, we reveal its substantial potential for DSSCs, particularly in improving the charge transport properties of bare TiO2 through the addition of MoS2 nanosheets, and enhancing porosity by introducing rGO into its lattice. Our results show an impressive 41% increase in efficiency, from 6.6% for pure TiO2-based DSSCs to 9.3% for DSSCs incorporating the TiO2/ MoS2-rGO photoanode. Comprehensive studies and analyses were conducted to explore various aspects of the material and device, establishing TiO2/MoS2-rGO as a promising alternative to bare TiO2 in DSSCs.