Tulus Subagyo, Denny Widhiyanuriyawan, Agung Sugeng Widodo, I Nyoman Gede Wardana
Global energy challenges and environmental problems encourage the search for sustainable energy solutions, with TiO2-based solar cells that are still limited to its efficiency due to low light absorption and charge recombination. This study aims to examine the synergistic effect of curcuma and SiO2 dye from rice husk waste in improving the energy efficiency of TiO2 solar cells. The research methodology involves the fabrication of sensitive solar cells with different layer compositions: TiO2 only, TiO2 with one layer of SiO2 (1L-SiO2), two layers (2L-SiO2), and three layers (3L-SiO2). The TiO2 photoanode is prepared using the screen printing method, followed by loading coloring through immersion in the curcuma coloring solution. The performance of solar cells is evaluated using the current voltage measurement (I-V) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze efficiency, charge transportation, and recombination processes. The results show that the addition of SiO2 increases the efficiency of solar cells, with 1L-SiO2 producing the highest compilation of short circuit (JSC) 0.37 mA/cm², showing an increase in cargo transportation. However, 1L-SiO2 shows a decrease in performance due to excessive thickness, which leads to an increase in charge recombination and internal resistance. Impedance analysis confirms that 1L-SiO2 optimizes cargo transportation but also increases recombination resistance, which affects overall efficiency. Adding SiO2 from rice husk waste increases the efficiency of TiO2-based solar cells, with curcuma coloring increases light absorption and charge transfer. However, excessive SiO2 layers reduce performance due to higher recombination and resistance. Further research is needed to optimize the thickness of the layer and dye stability. © 2025 by the author(s). Licensee Pandawa Institute, Metro, Indonesia.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yudharta University, Pasuruan, 67162, Indonesia
