The stability improvements of dye-sensitized solar cell with natural template for photoanode using lignin extracted from rice husk
In response to escalating global concerns over environmental pollution, the development of green dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has emerged as a promising technology for solar energy conversion. This study harnesses the potential of rice husk, an abundant agricultural waste in Indonesia, by extr...
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Elsevier
2025-01-01
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Series: | Heliyon |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024159440 |
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Summary: | In response to escalating global concerns over environmental pollution, the development of green dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has emerged as a promising technology for solar energy conversion. This study harnesses the potential of rice husk, an abundant agricultural waste in Indonesia, by extracting lignin through a simple recycling method. Lignin acts as a natural, non-toxic dopant and template for TiO₂ composites, enhancing the stability of the photoanode in DSSCs. A TiO₂ photoanode modified with 5 % lignin achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.81 %. After a 90-day stability test, the TiO2/lignin 5 % composite retained 78 % of its initial PCE, significantly outperforming pristine TiO₂ in terms of short-circuit current density (JSC) and open-circuit voltage (VOC). This improved stability is attributed to increased porosity, better lignin dispersion within the TiO₂ matrix, prevention of agglomeration, enhanced surface area for dye adsorption, and reduced electrolyte leakage. Furthermore, lignin's high thermal stability on the TiO₂ surface provides additional protection against dye degradation and electrolyte evaporation during repeated light exposure. |
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ISSN: | 2405-8440 |