Optimization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) through co-adsorption and tri-adsorption of organic dyes

Abstract

Abstract Although synthetic dyes are typically used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), organic dyes provide a less expensive, and simple method of manufacturing such cells. The objective of this project was to produce a relatively low-cost DSSC with optimal conversion efficiency and a wide absorption spectrum through co-adsorption and tri-adsorption of inexpensive organic dyes. Four organic dyes (Pomegranate Juice, Anthocyanin, Rhodamine B, and Thymol Blue) were used as sensitizers on a titanium dioxide semiconductor film. Through measuring the absorption spectrum of varying ratios of these dyes, five cells were assembled through co-adsorption and one through a unique method of tri-adsorption. The photoelectrochemical properties (voltage, current, absorption spectra, fill factor, and conversion efficiency) of each were thereafter measured using appropriate equipment. These values reflected that open circuit voltages varied from 0.232 V to 0.464 V and conversion efficiencies ranged from 0.17% to 2.74%....