Synergistic interfacial passivation of dye-sensitized solar cell photoanodes using Myristica fragrans pulp-derived carbon dots and Ag nanoparticles
subject: Carbon dots; DSSC; Myristicafragrans; Photoanode; Silver nanoparticles; Titanium dioxide
description: Interfacial charge recombination at the photoanode remains a critical factor in limiting the performance of Dye-sensitized solar cells. The photoanodes play a crucial role in efficient electron injection and transport with minimised recombination reactions, directly influencing the efficiency of the cell. This work investigates the use of carbon dots (CDs) derived from Myristica fragrans fruit pulp via a one-step hydrothermal process as a component in photoanodes. The TiO2 photoanode is modified by in situ deposition of silver nanoparticles (ANP) and CDs directly onto the metal-oxide semiconductor matrix via photoreduction. The passivated cell exhibited ?28 % increase in efficiency over the pristine cell, attaining 6.39 0.20 %, with a current density of 14.74 0.28mAcm?2, and an open-circuit voltage of 0.76 0.02 V. Herein, the passivation of TiO2 has altered the optical bandgap of the photoanode from 3.23 eV to 1.75 eV, thereby enhancing light absorption towards the visible and near-IR region. Furthermore, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of ANP and the charge-transfer mediator properties of CDs synergistically enhance charge mobility, thereby improving photoanode performance by reducing recombination. With a charge-transfer resistance of 6.87 ? and an electron lifetime of 47.19 s, the work explored here serves as an appropriate passivation layer, providing a clean interface between the layers. 2026 Elsevier B.V.
creator: Jacob, Sandhra; Jafri, R. Imran; Upadhyay, Shanyukta; Balachandran, Manoj
source: Applied Surface Science;Volume;735;Issue;;Article No.;166663;
publisher: Elsevier B.V.
date: 01-01-2026
rights: Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
relation: ISSN: 1694332; CODEN: ASUSE
format: online
language: English
type: Article
coverage: Jacob S., Department of Physics and Electronics, Christ University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India; Jafri R.I., Department of Physics and Electronics, Christ University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India; Upadhyay S., Department of Physics and Electronics, Christ University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India; Balachandran M., Department of Physics and Electronics, Christ University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India