Preparation of photoactive transition-metal layered double hydroxides (LDH) to replace dye-sensitized materials in solar cells

Naseem, SajidGevers, Bianca R.Labuschagne, F.J.W.J. (Frederick Johannes Willem Jacobus)Leuteritz, Andreas2021-06-222021-06-222020-10-01Naseem, S., Gevers, B.R., Labuschagné, F.J.W.J. et al. 2020, 'Preparation of photoactive transition-metal layered double hydroxides (LDH) to replace dye-sensitized materials in solar cells', Materials, vol. 13, no. 19, art. 4384, pp. 1-12.1996-1944 (online)10.3390/ma13194384http://hdl.handle.net/2263/80537This work highlights the use of Fe-modified MgAl-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to replace dye and semiconductor complexes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), forming a layered double hydroxide solar cell (LDHSC). For this purpose, a MgAl-LDH and a Fe-modified MgAl LDH were prepared. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were used to analyze the structural properties, morphology, and success of the Fe-modification of the synthesized LDHs. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy was used to analyze the photoactive behavior of these LDHs and compare it to that of TiO2 and dye-sensitized TiO2. Current-voltage (I–V) solar simulation was used to determine the fill factor (FF), open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current (ISC), and efficiency of the LDHSCs. It was shown that the MgFeAl-LDH can act as a simultaneous photoabsorber and charge separator, effectively replacing the dye and semiconductor complex in DSSCs and yielding an efficiency of 1.56%.en© 2020 by the authors. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.Layered double hydroxide solar cell (LDHSC)Photoactive materialUV-Vis absorptionDye sensitized solar cell (DSSC)Photoactive layered double hydroxide (LDH)Transition metal modificationOptical bandgap analysisRenewable energyPhotovoltaic device designIron (Fe) modified MgFeAl LDHX-ray diffraction (XRD)Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX)Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis)Preparation of photoactive transition-metal layered double hydroxides (LDH) to replace dye-sensitized materials in solar cellsArticle