Enhance the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Phosphor Co-Doped TiO2 Photoelectrode to Improve the Light Harvesting

Abstract

Generally, the (N-719) dye used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) only absorbs visible light between 400 and 700 nm, and hence, most of the sun's ultraviolet and infrared rays are not utilized by this dye. However, if ultraviolet and infrared radiation can be converted to visible light by conversion luminescence, this light can then be reabsorbed by the dye, allowing for a greater range of solar irradiation to be utilized in DSSCs. A mixed phosphor of Y3Al5O12:Tb3+ and Y2O3:Er3+, acting as luminescence medium, was added to the TiO2 electrode of DSSCs, thus increasing the photocurrent density and efficiency of the electrode. The Y3Al5O12:Tb3+/Y2O3:Er3+ phosphor-co-doped TiO2 electrode cells showed better performance than did the phosphor-free cells. This work suggested that Y3Al5O12:Tb3+/Y2O3:Er3+ might be a promising luminescent medium that can enhance the photoelectrical conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).