Ag-encapsulated Au plasmonic nanorods for enhanced dye-sensitized solar cell performance

In this article, Ag-encapsulated Au nanorods (Au@Ag NRs) are prepared and introduced into dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). As a unique plasmonic nanostructure, this composite exhibits the superiorities of enhanced light-harvesting as well as restrained charge recombination of DSSCs. Remarkably, the enhanced light absorption of the photoanode can be obtained via the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of the Au@Ag NRs, whereas a broadened absorption in the red and near-infrared (NIR) region ensures the full utilization of the solar energy. Beyond the dominated optical utility, the presence of the Au@Ag NRs promotes the suppression of the charge recombination, further enhancing the photochemical catalysis of DSSCs. An optimized Au@Ag NR modified DSSC is achieved with a power conversion efficiency of 8.43%, which is significantly superior to that of the pure TiO2 DSSC with a PCE of 5.91%.