Improving DSSC Performance Using Enhanced Double Layers Based on Magnetic Beads and Reduced Graphene Oxide

Current research shows dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) can be increased when dye absorption on double layers of titanium dioxide (TiO
₂
) are modified using magnetic beads (MBs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The effects of incorporating both MBs and rGO into a TiO
₂
DSSC photoanode are investigated here in detail using a solar simulator, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–visible spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This study compared to an unmodified TiO
₂
PCE 4.06% and a modified photoanode PCE (η) 5.45%. Nyquist plots showed that incorporation of MBs and rGO decreased electron transfer impedance and increased the charge transfer rate. Increased dye-loading could be detected through UV–visible absorption enhancement of 26% for the addition of rGO. Incorporation of MBs and rGO can produce higher photovoltaic conversion efficiency.