International Journal of Renewable Energy Development
Accepted Articles

Single-Layer Graphene Modified TiO₂ Photoanode for Enhanced Efficiency of Chlorophyll-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Uzfi Helmi Zamzami (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malang State University (UM) , located at the Faculty of Engineering (FT), Jl. Semarang No. 5, Sumbersari, Lowokwaru District, Malang City, East Java, postal code 65145)
Prihanto Trihutomo (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malang State University (UM) , located at the Faculty of Engineering (FT), Jl. Semarang No. 5, Sumbersari, Lowokwaru District, Malang City, East Java, postal code 65145)
Aminnudin Aminnudin (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malang State University (UM) , located at the Faculty of Engineering (FT), Jl. Semarang No. 5, Sumbersari, Lowokwaru District, Malang City, East Java, postal code 65145)
Tuan Amran Tuan Abdullah (Faculty of Chemical and Engineering Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'
zim, Malaysia.)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Jun 2026

Abstract

The escalating need for renewable energy resources has promoted research and development in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with improved performance using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. This study aims to synthesize and characterize TiO₂–graphene composites as photoanodes to enhance electron transport and electrical conductivity in DSSCs sensitized with chlorophyll dye. TiO₂–graphene composites were prepared with graphene concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% v/v, while pure TiO₂ was used as a control sample. The resulting materials were deposited as photoanode films and Morphological, structural, chemical, and optical properties were examined through SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The photovoltaic performance of the assembled DSSCs was evaluated through current–voltage (I–V) measurements. The results indicate that graphene incorporation significantly improves surface morphology and promotes stronger interfacial interaction between TiO₂ and graphene, as evidenced by the formation of Ti–O–C functional bonds. The presence of graphene also leads to a slight reduction in TiO₂ crystallinity, which is favorable for charge transport. UV–Vis analysis reveals a redshift in the absorption edge and A decrease in the optical band gap was observed, indicating enhanced responsiveness to visible-light irradiation. Among the investigated compositions, the TiO₂–graphene photoanode with 1.0% v/v graphene exhibits the best photovoltaic performance, achieving an energy conversion efficiency close to 1% and a fill factor of approximately 62%. Higher graphene content (1.5% v/v) results in particle agglomeration and reduced film uniformity, which negatively affects device performance. Overall, this study demonstrates that moderate graphene addition effectively enhances conductivity, charge transfer, and photoanode stability, highlighting TiO₂–graphene composites as promising eco-friendly materials for efficient and sustainable DSSC applications

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijred

Publisher

Subject

Control & Systems Engineering Earth & Planetary Sciences Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Engineering

Description

The International Journal of Renewable Energy Development - (Int. J. Renew. Energy Dev.; p-ISSN: 2252-4940; e-ISSN:2716-4519) is an open access and peer-reviewed journal co-published by Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE) that aims to promote renewable energy researches and developments, ...