Iron oxide Green synthesized nanoparticles for improved performance in Monolithic Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

In order to improve photovoltaic efficiency in Monolithic Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (MDSSCs), this study examined the effects of incorporating green produced iron oxide nanoparticles to a nanoporous carbon counter electrode. An extract from the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum was effectively used to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles. The development of iron oxide nanoparticles was verified by optical absorption in the 350–450 nm range. With an average crystallite size of 47.9 nm, XRD patterns demonstrated the crystalline nature of the Iron oxide nanoparticles. Chemical bonds that may responsible for the nanoparticle production were found using FTIR investigations. An impressive 135.3% boost in efficiency was recorded for cell containing the Iron oxide nanoparticles, according to the MDSSC performance evaluation where DSSC without nanoparticles had a lower solar-to-electric power conversion efficiency of 1.7%, an open circuit voltage of 0.2625 V, a short-circuit current of 0.0723 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.3630. The FeO CEs cell had an open-circuit voltage of 0.4274 V, a short-circuit current of 0.1042 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.46. Their solar-to-electric power conversion efficiency was 4.0%. The potential of incorporating green-synthesised iron oxide nanoparticles into MDSSC counter electrode was shown by their great biocompatibility and even dispersion.