LAUSR

Bi5O7I is one of the bismuth oxyiodides family members which is commonly utilized for photocatalyst, but it has not been applied yet as a photovoltaic material. Herein, we study the effect of Bi5O7I addition to TiO2 for the photovoltaic device which worked based on the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). A better photovoltaic performance was performed by using TiO2/Bi5O7I composite than the TiO2 based DSSC. The different ratios of Bi5O7I mixed with TiO2 resulted in the TiO2/Bi5O7I composite material films which were characterized on their structural, morphological, and optical properties. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis results displayed the crystal character and the morphology of Bi5O7I and TiO2 in our films. In addition, the existence of Bi5O7I in the films had an impact on the decreasing in the bandgap energy of composite materials. Moreover, the solar cell performance test with I−/I3− electrolyte solution, Pt-FTO counter electrode, and N719 dye was carried out to the composite cells. As a result, there was a slight increase in the current density and open-circuit voltage. Also, the cell efficiency could enhance up to 60% in comparison to the TiO2-DSSC in this report.