Fabrication of Ag/rGO/TiO2 nanocomposite-based electron transport layer for enhanced efficiency in planar perovskite solar cells

The global transition toward renewable energy sources necessitates the development of cost-effective and high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies. Perovskite solar cells have emerged as promising candidates due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. However, achieving enhanced efficiency and stability requires optimization of charge transport layers. In this work, we synthesized a ternary Ag/rGO/TiO₂ nanocomposite via facile a hydrothermal method as an advanced electron transport layer for planar perovskite solar cells. Comprehensive characterization revealed well-distributed Ag nanoparticles and rGO nanosheets within anatase TiO₂ structure. The optimized device demonstrated a power conversion efficiency of 8.72% with a short-circuit current density of 14.98 mA·cm^-2, an open-circuit voltage of 0.99 V, and a fill factor of 58.83%, representing 24.9% enhancement over the pristine TiO₂ reference device. Photoluminescence quenching studies confirmed a superior electron extraction efficiency of 84%. It was demonstrated that the strategic incorporation of plasmonic and carbonaceous nanomaterials into metal oxide electron transport layers offers viable pathway toward high-performance perovskite photovoltaics.