Synthesis of Graphene Aerogel Nanofilms as Photoanode and Nanocurcumin Dye as Sensitizer in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Applications

This article describes a method for synthesizing graphene aerogel by reducing graphene oxide using a hydrothermal process. Our technique facilitates the production of high-quality, highly conductive, and clean nanomaterials, which are used as photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Additionally, a precipitation method was employed to prepare nano curcumin, which served as a sensitizer. These nanomaterials were prepared at a low cost and in a short time, which aligns with the objectives of this study, The nanomaterials were characterized using FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and zeta potential analysis. The average particle size was approximately 20 nm for both graphene oxide and graphene aerogel, while nanocurcumin had an average size of approximately 40 nm. The DSSC was fabricated, and its efficiency was measured; Results indicated that the efficiency of using nanocurcumin alone was lower than when it was combined with methylene blue. This dye combination enhanced electron excitation, thereby increasing the generated current. The primary goal of this study was to achieve high efficiency at the lowest cost.