LAUSR

Abstract The effect of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) as solvent as compared to the conventional ethanol in synthesis of photo anode for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications is studied. The TiO2 paste was later mixed with lignocellulose (LC) and deposited onto FTO substrate to increase porosity and N719 Ruthenium dye was used as a sensitizer. The red-shift was observed in UV–vis for PEG-based thin films. The structural parameters were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and RAMAN spectroscopy. The crystallite size varied from 60 to 40 nm for ethanol and 80 to 30 nm for PEG based films, respectively. Raman analysis indicated the shift in the active modes for 194 c m − 1 and decrease in peak intensity after doping and dyeing. SEM micrographs indicated non-uniform grain distribution confirms enhanced porosity. Polysulfide was used as electrolyte which showed satisfactory photocatalytic properties. The dye cells prepared in PEG were found more efficient than those prepared in ethanol.