Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Different Solvents: Comparative Study

Abstract

Solution of Z907 dye in two different solvents, namely ethanol (EtOH) and chloroform (CHCl3) are prepared and utilized in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The effects of dye solvents on the performance of these cells have been investigated and the results are represented. The DSSCs that used EtOH as a dye-adsorption solvent showed an improved solar cell efficiency relative to the DSSCs that used CHCl3. For dye-adsorption solvents, the highest conversion efficiency of 1.40% is achieved using CHCl3 and 0.15% for EtOH, respectively. Photo- and electrochemical tests of Z907 dye in ethanol, adsorbed on the TiO2 surface showed low dye loading and coverage on the surface, shorter electron lifetime and the greater resistance in the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface, publicized to the dye aggregation at the TiO2 surface, which decreased the solar cell performance of the DSSCs.