Photovoltaic Enhancement Using Green-Synthesized AgNPs and Phthalocyanine in DSSCs

Abstract

This study aims to improve the photovoltaic properties of phthalacyanines by additives that can be used as DSSC to produce economical materials for renewable energy. Therefore, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized by green chemistry method using green husk of walnut (GHW). Additionally, a new axial silicon phthalocyanine was synthesized. The phytocomponent AgNPs were doped with our newly synthesized phthalocyanine and applied in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) as a sensitizer. The power conversion efficiency of the prepared DSSC was investigated. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by optical absorption at wavelength between 350 and 540 nm. XRD data confirmed that the average crystallite size of AgNPs was 46.17 nm. FTIR analyses identified the bio-components potentially responsible for silver nanoparticle formation. TEM analysis shows that there are nanoparticles with an average size of 36.15 nm. The success of environmentally friendly green synthesized AgNPs to activate the sensitizer in DSSCs indicates that silver nanoparticles can be effectively used in such applications. The conversion efficiency of the axial phthalocyanine compound was measured as 2.05. However, as a result of doping the phthalocyanine compound with AgNPs, it was measured as 2.63 and 2.81 at 1:1 and 1:2 ratios, respectively. This clearly reveals the effect of AgNPs. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.