Characterization and application of nano-composite zinc oxide/poly vinyl alcohol thin-film in solar cell performance enhancement

Ahmed Khan, Shaheer and Rahman, Mohammed Ataur and Khan, Wajahat and Haider, Syed Mustafa (2023) Characterization and application of nano-composite zinc oxide/poly vinyl alcohol thin-film in solar cell performance enhancement. Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 37 (10). pp. 1-7. ISSN 1738-494X E-ISSN 1976-3824

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Abstract

Flexible, economical, and low-toxic organic solar cells are becoming highly popular in photovoltaic research. Interestingly, its efficiency of energy conversion remains lower than that of silicon-based solar cells. As a result, it is unavoidable to focus on organic solar cell efficiency enhancement. This article presents a nano-composite thin-film developed using zinc oxide (ZnO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a solution casting technique varying weight per- centage (wt.%) of ZnO into the PVA matrix. The characterization of the thin-film of ZnO/PVA has been made using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The characterization re- veals that the ZnO nanoparticle network forms an excellent path for electron flow in the PVA matrix at the optimal ZnO concentration of 16.66 % and a PVA concentration of 83.33 %. The thin film was applied to an organic solar cell of architecture consists of carbon fiber reinforced with ZnO-epoxy resin/CuO-epoxy resin for performance investigation. The solar cell's maxi- mum efficiency was determined to be 9.01 % before and 14.65 % after using the nano- composite film. 5.64 % increase in the efficiency of organic solar cells are observed after the ZnO/PVA nanocomposite thin film is applied.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Photovoltaic power, Organic solar cell, Zinc oxide/poly vinyl alcohol thin film, Solution casting technique, Energy conversion efficiency
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) > T173.2 Technological change
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Mechanical Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Md Ataur Rahman
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2023 15:41
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2023 15:41
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/106668

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