Preparation of Ag2O/CuO nanocomposites using electrochemical method for dye-sensitized solar cells

This work reports the synthesis and characterization of Ag₂O/CuO nanocomposites via a simple, controlled potential electrolysis deposition method to improve the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Nanocomposites were obtained in the form of colloid solutions in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilizers, respectively, resulting in Ag₂O/CuO composites with Cu:Ag at ratios of 1:1.28 (PVA) and 1:1.21 (PVP). Analysis by XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, and UV-Vis confirmed the formation of homogeneous nanostructures, spherical morphology, and reduced band gaps of 1.6 and 1.8 eV, respectively, compared to individual oxides. The enhanced electrical conductivities in combination with surface plasmon resonance effects resulted in improved light absorption and charge transport. These nanocomposites were mixed with epoxy resin, which was then applied to luminescent solar concentrators. In this way, efficiencies of 29.2% and 28.5% were achieved for Ag₂O:CuO PVA and Ag₂O:CuO PVP, respectively, both at their optimal concentration of 0.08 g in 8 mL of epoxy. These results suggest the potential use of Ag₂O/CuO nanocomposites for enhancing photovoltaic performance through straightforward and scalable synthetic routes, thereby indicating the possible application of Ag₂O/CuO nanocomposites in improving photovoltaic performance. KEY WORDS: Nanocomposites, Ag2O/CuO, Epoxy, Solar cell efficiency Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2026, 40(3), 707-722. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v40i3.16