Development of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline nanocomposites based electrolyte for quasi‐solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells

Summary The key objective of this research is to develop stable dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for powering Internet of Things (IoTs) devices. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline (MWCNTs/PANI) nanocomposites have been synthesized by the in situ polymerization process. The morphological, specific crystal structure, and coordination between constituents of composites have been investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X‐ray Diffraction technique, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, respectively. Quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes have been prepared using MWCNTs/PANI nanocomposites as a host material, potassium iodide as a salt, and propylene carbonate as a solvent. The results show that the ionic conductivity of electrolytes is affected by MWCNTs contents in nanocomposites and salt concentration. The quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte with 4% MWCNTs/PANI and a salt concentration of 0.5 g shows a higher ionic conductivity of 197.4 μS/cm. It has been observed that the photovoltaic performance of fabricated DSSC is affected by the ionic conductivity of electrolytes. The solar cell fabricated with optimized quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte (4% MWCNTs/PANI and 0.5 g salt concentration) exhibits a maximum efficiency of 2.7%. However, the reduction in the photovoltaic performance has also been observed at 6% MWCNTs and 8% MWCNTs. It could be attributed to the formation of the agglomerate at higher MWCNTs contents. Energy harvesting approach can be used to fuel portable, self‐contained devices MWCNTs/PANI nanocomposite were synthesized by the in‐situ polymerization process. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier‐transform infrared confirmed the dispersion and interaction between the ingredients of composites MWCNTs/PANI nanocomposite were employed as host material in the preparation of quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes Conductivity of electrolytes affects the photovoltaic performance of quasi solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells Effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes concentration on photovoltaic parameters of dye‐sensitized solar cells