DSSC using natural dye sensitized and Ag/CdS/TiO₂ composite structured light anode

A new type of photoanode for dye-sensitive solar cells based on Ag/CdS/TiO2 natural dyes was designed and fabricated. Firstly, the mixed layer of CdS and TiO2 was prepared by high temperature annealing method, and the mixed layer was modified by Ag nanoparticles and sensitized by natural dyes to obtain the desired composite structure photoanode. The excellent localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect exhibited by Ag nano-particles greatly enhances the electron-harvesting ability of the photoanode. The addition of CdS enhances the photosensitivity of the photoanode, diminishes electrons' recombination and enhances electrons' mobility. The final electrochemical test results show that the DSSC using the Ag/CdS/TiO2 composite structure photoanode and sensitized by natural dyes has reached a PCE of 0.68 %, compared with the DSSC with pure TiO2 photoanode the absorption range is wider, and the PCE has grown by 219 %.