Development of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline nanocomposites based electrolyte for quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

The key objective of this research is to develop stable dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for powering Internet of Things (IoTs) devices. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline (MWCNTs/PANI) nanocomposites have been synthesized by the in situ polymerization process. The morphological, specific crystal structure, and coordination between constituents of composites have been investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction technique, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, respectively. Quasi-solid-state electrolytes have been prepared using MWCNTs/PANI nanocomposites as a host material, potassium iodide as a salt, and propylene carbonate as a solvent. The results show that the ionic conductivity of electrolytes is affected by MWCNTs contents in nanocomposites and salt concentration. The quasi-solid-state electrolyte with 4% MWCNTs/PANI and a salt concentration of 0.5 g shows a higher ionic conductivity of 197.4 mu S/cm. It has been observed that the photovoltaic performance of fabricated DSSC is affected by the ionic conductivity of electrolytes. The solar cell fabricated with optimized quasi-solid-state electrolyte (4% MWCNTs/PANI and 0.5 g salt concentration) exhibits a maximum efficiency of 2.7%. However, the reduction in the photovoltaic performance has also been observed at 6% MWCNTs and 8% MWCNTs. It could be attributed to the formation of the agglomerate at higher MWCNTs contents.