Hydrogen ions (H+) implantation induced interstitial defects for performance enhancement of flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCS)

To enhance the performance of flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs), zinc oxide (ZnO) powder is prepared using the hydrothermal method and spin-coated onto plastic substrates. The films are implanted with H+ ions at three fluencies (1×1013, 1×1014, and 1×1015 ions/cm2 ). XRD results reveal the hexagonal (wurtzite) structure with improved crystallinity. SRIM software analyzed that with an increasing ion dose, vacancies are increased. UV-Vis shows increased bandgap energy. PL confirms reduced recombination rates. Photovoltaic measurements of FDSSCs demonstrate significantly enhanced efficiency (2.86%) at 1×1014 ions/cm2 fluence. EIS confirms the suppression of charge recombination and reduced charge transport resistance.