Enhancing the optical and photoelectric efficiency of PEDOT/PSS thin film by incorporating activated biochar for photovoltaic applications
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Recently, scientists have been interested in developing advanced techniques for technological applications using sustainable biochar (BC) materials. In this study, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate, PEDOT/PSS, was doped with 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% of Activated biochar (A-BC) obtained from Chlorophyta (green Algae) using a microwave combustion process. XRD, FTIR, TGA, BET, and SEM were used to analyze the structural properties of PEDOT/PSS@BC. The XRD results demonstrate that A-BC impacts the amorphous nature of PEDOT/PSS, causing the doped composite to have a higher crystalline structure. While measuring dark current density-voltage, it was found that PEDOT/PSS@BC/n-Si showed better-rectifying characteristics compared to pristine PEDOT/PSS/n-Si, with a higher rectification ratio. When A-BC was used, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) was 13.02%, with a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 34.37 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.65 V, and fill factor (FF) of 58%. These findings demonstrated that using A-BC improved the characteristics of PEDOT/PSS/n-Si devices, and the increase in performance was affected by the concentration of A-BC. A-BC can act as an efficient electron acceptor, facilitating charge transfer and reducing recombination losses.
Authors: Taymour A. Hamdalla, A.A.A. Darwish, Syed Khasim, Meshari M. Aljohani, S.A. Al-Ghamdi, E.F.M. El-Zaidia, S. Alfadhli
Institution: University of Tabuk
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,134
Funder: University of Tabuk
Award: G4606870274
OpenAlex ID: W4404822018