SPR effect of AgNPs decorated TiO2 in DSSC using TPMPI in the electrolyte: Approach towards low light trapping

Nano-porous titania matrices were doped with AgNPs by UV assisted reduction of AgNO3 solution to fabricate the photo-anode in dye sensitized solar cell using N-3 as the absorber dye. The composite matrices were subjected to physicochemical characterization using XRD, TEM, XPS, EDAX, FESEM, spectral and micro Raman techniques. Electrochemical characterizations of the Ag-TiO2 matrices were carried out to evaluate the photoresponse, current-voltage output, interfacial charge transfer and stability of the DSSC under illumination of 10-100 mW/cm(2) using white LED light source. The dye electrode embedded with an optimal level of Ag, produced solar conversion efficiency of 11.17% and IPCE 73%. Attempt was taken to make the plasmon based DSSC more low light sensitive by using triphenylmethylphosphonim iodide (TPMPI) as the electrolyte component. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.