Nitrogen doped TiO2/Graphene nanofibers as DSSCs photoanode

Photoanode optimization of the dye-sensitized solar cell is a crucial part of its performance improvement. In this study, graphene-containing TiO2 nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning, and the nitrogen element was doped via the hydrothermal method. After that, a nitrogen-graphene co-doped TiO2 nanofiber photoanode was prepared using a doctor blade coating process. Micromorphological characterization revealed that nitrogen and graphene were successfully doped into composite nanofibers with favorable morphology and distribution. Ultraviolet–visible light spectroscopy and monochromatic light conversion efficiency data demonstrated that the doping of nitrogen enhanced the cell's response to sunlight. The J-V curve was obtained under solar simulation, and the conversion efficiency of 5.01% was reached, which was 26% higher than that of undoped. Therefore, the co-doped composite fiber makes a promising prospect for further applications. [Display omitted] •Co-doping broadens the photo-response range and enhances the light absorption intensity.•PCE improved by 26% compared with the nitrogen-free solar cell.•Utilization efficiency of the visible light of the solar cell obviously increased.