Investigation of structural properties of Nd3+ doped ZnO to produce capable dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract

In this present work we report the impact of employing the neodymium (Nd) to influence the structure and morphology of ZnO. To discern the efficiency of Nd doped ZnO in DSSCs, its properties are investigated. Undoped ZnO and Nd doped ZnO were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method. Structural and morphological studies of the obtained samples were collected through XRD and HR-TEM. The change in the bandgap is observed from UV analysis due to the introduction of Nd ions on the surface of ZnO. Comparing to undoped ZnO, Nd doped ZnO sample exhibits better results. Dye sensitized solar cells were fabricated using N719 dye, redox electrolyte and counter electrode (platinum). The efficiencies of undoped and doped DSSCs were calculated. After the fabrication and simulation of DSSCs, the outcomes and efficiencies of the undoped and neodymium doped ZnO solar cells were studied to choose the better anode to fabricate dye sensitized solar cells.