Optimizing the Performance of PAni@TiO\(_2\) Bulk Heterojunction-Based Photovoltaic Cells via Various TiO\(_2\) Nano-Sphere Levels

Abstract

As a sustainable energy source, solar cells are essential for addressing and reducing the consequences of climate change by limiting the consumption of fossil fuels. Based on this purpose, solar cells based on organic compounds have piqued the interest of researchers due to their low cost, exceptional performance, and sustainability. Variable quantities of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) inside the PAni matrix were employed to increase the performance of organic cells by modifying the properties of the photoactivated polyaniline-titanium dioxide (PAni-TiO2) nanocomposite layer. Polymer solar cells were created in this study employing the FTO/(PAni-TiO2)/Ag combination. The structural evolution, surface properties, optical and electrical properties of PAni-TiO2 films have all been investigated. The XRD patterns revealed that the crystallite size decreases gradually with TiO2 NPs concentration in the PAni matrix, from 18.7 to 12.8 nm. Furthermore, the surface of the extremely concentrated films was rougher and more porous than it was for the pristine film. The efficiency of PAni-TiO2 based composite cells increased from 0.33 to 0.85% when different amounts of TiO2 NPs were added into the PAni framework. This conclusion is primarily attributable to a structural shift accompanied by a significant rise in roughness scales, which resulted in a decrease in reflected photons and, as a result, an increase in free carrier formation.