Enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cells using gold nanoparticles modified fluorine tin oxide electrodes

We have investigated plasmon-assisted energy conversion in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) applying gold nanoparticles (NPs) modified fluorine tin oxide (FTO) electrodes. A series of Au NPs with different sizes (15–80 nm) were synthesized and immobilized onto FTO glass slides. Photoanodes were prepared on these Au modified FTO substrates using P25 TiO 2 powders and by the screen-printing method. The size effects of Au NPs on the photovoltaic performance of the formed DSCs were investigated systematically. Structural and photoelectrochemical properties of the formed photoanodes were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was found that the energy conversion efficiency of the DSC was highly dependent on the Au particle size. When the particle size was not greater than 60 nm, the DSC based on the Au NP-FTO composite electrode showed a higher short-circuit current density and better photovoltaic (PV) performance than the cell based on the bare FTO. The best cell was achieved using 25 nm sized Au NPs modified FTO. It exhibited a conversion efficiency of 6.69%, which was 15% higher than that of DSCs without Au NPs. The related PV performance enhancement mechanisms, photoelectrochemical processes and surface-plasmon resonances in DSCs with Au nanostructures are analysed and discussed.