Hybrid metal complex with TiO2/SiO2 composite-doped polymer for the enhancement of photo energy conversion in silicon solar panels

A new photo-converting layer containing luminescent hybrid metal-composite-doped polyvinyl alcohol polymer developed by mixing equimolar ratio of pyridine-molybdenum (VI) complex, 1,10-phenanthroline-dysprosium (III) complex, and TiO2 and SiO2 semiconductor on polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA) is reported. The electronic absorption study supports that the prepared complex composites absorb ultraviolet-visible (Uv-Vis) light ranging from 250 to 600 nm. This wide range absorption has boosted the photovoltaic (PV) conversion efficiency of the low-voltage (9 V) silica panel. The thin coating of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer-doped nanocomposites (22.4 nm) adds a layer over the normal silica panel and absorbs more light from the solar system (supported by J-V curves). By using metal-to-ligand charge transfer, metal-to-metal, and ligand charge transfer mechanisms, the composite-doped PVA layer increases the PV effect of the 9 V solar panel by 2.2 times (9 to 20.1 V). The high PV effects were also due to the transfer of excess heat generated during the PV process to electric power by thermochemical mechanism. This additional electron generation path reduces the band gap between the two semiconductors and allows more and more electrons to pass through. Simultaneous thermal and optical energy transformation across the 9 V silica panel during light incidents contribute to such an enormous increase in efficiency. Compared to the existing economy of 20-23%, the power-conversion factor is > 100%, which is notably greater. This research opens the possibilities for developing low-cost, long-lasting, high-volt solar panels for industrial applications.