Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Gold Nanoparticles in Green Nanochemistry Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) have a wide range of scientific applications due to their innate ability to efficiently bind with organic and bio molecules in conjunction with possessing excellent optical properties. In this experiment, Au NPs were synthesized and experimentally characterized via atomic force microscopy, high-resolution tunneling electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. After characterization, the NPs were found to vary in shape but had a uniform size of 25 nm, with an absorption maxima at 521 nm. Using their bio-binding properties and light absorption characteristics, the NPs were integrated with anthocyanin-based, dye-sensitized solar cells. The hybrid system was found to enhance the photovoltaic output of the system, likely due to the enhanced photon-capturing capacity provided by the Au NPs.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA568748

Entities

People

  • Hailey E. Cramer
  • Mark H Griep
  • Shashi P. Karna

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
  • Electron Microscopes
  • Electron Microscopy
  • High Resolution
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Metallic Nanoparticles
  • Microscopy
  • Molecules
  • Nanoparticles
  • Optical Properties
  • Quantum Dots
  • Solar Cells
  • Spectra

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics