Enhancement of Optoelectronic Properties of Ag-Doped SnO ₂ Thin Film-Based Electrodes for DSSC Application

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Researchers are actively investigating cost-effective, indium-free n-type transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) for optoelectronic applications. Silver-doped SnO 2 (ASO) thin films, fabricated via spray deposition, serve as promising alternative electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), where Ag doping optimizes the electrical and optical properties. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrical transport properties of the as-deposited ASO thin films were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, and Hall effect measurements to assess phase composition, surface morphology, elemental states, optical behavior, and charge transport characteristics. At 0.4 wt % Ag (ASO4), the film exhibits 88.7% transmittance in the visible range, a wide bandgap of 3.73 eV, and low resistivity (4.26 × 10 –4 Ω cm) with a sheet resistance of 18.6 Ω/□, making it a superior TCO candidate. To understand charge transport mechanisms, Arrhenius analysis was used to determine activation energies, while a four-probe method revealed resistance stability up to 400 °C. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the DSSC device was effectively optimized using ASO electrodes, where varying Ag concentrations played a crucial role in enhancing efficiency. Notably, the ASO4 film demonstrated a remarkable PCE of 4.69%. Integrating ASO electrodes into DSSCs yielded enhanced PCE, reinforcing their viability as a cost-effective replacement for ITO/FTO electrodes in the next-generation solar technology.