Application In Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Building triple shelled ZnO hollow microspheres decorated TiO2 nanotree to boost light harvesting and reduced charges recombination in dye sensitized solar cell

It is well known that the microstructure of photoanode materials has direct influence on light harvesting and charges recombination in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). However, design of photoanode materials for efficient light harvesting and electron transport is still in challenge. Therefore, we developed a hierarchical microstructure of multi shelled ZnO hollow microspheres (MS ZnO HMS) decorated TiO2 nanotree (NT) for DSSCs application with aim to take advantages of enhanced light scattering and enlarged specific area offered by MS ZnO HMS and reduced charges recombination provide by TiO2 NT. The morphology, microstructure and crystalline of ZnO HMS and TiO2 NT have been characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD, confirming the successful building of MS ZnO HMS decorated TiO2 NT. I–V tests show that significant enhancement of short-circuit current density (Jsc) can be achieved by controlling shell numbers of MS ZnO HMS and combining MS ZnO HMS with TiO2 NT. As a result, the triple shelled ZnO HMS (TS ZnO HMS) decorated TiO2 NT (TS ZnO HMS/TiO2 NT) improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) to 7.40%, which is 138% and 40% higher than DSSCs based on TiO2 NT (3.11%) and TS ZnO HMS (5.27%). IPCE, OCVD and EIS measurements indicate that the combination of TS ZnO HMS with TiO2 NT contribute to the improvement of light harvesting efficiency and prolonging of electron lifetime.

Design and synthesis of novel bichalcophene derivatives with double anchoring groups for dye-sensitized solar cell applications: sensitization and co-sensitization with N-719

Design and synthesis of novel bichalcophene derivatives with double anchoring groups for dye-sensitized solar cell applications: sensitization and co-sensitization with N-719

A Review And Comparative Analysis Of Different Types Of Dyes For Applications In Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A Review And Comparative Analysis Of Different Types Of Dyes For Applications In Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Star-type melamine based conjugated carboxy functionalized porphyrin trimer for DSSCs: An efficient approach to clean, aggregation free and true energy generation

A novel, π-conjugated melamine-based trimeric porphyrin dye with serving nine carboxylate linker groups has been prepared to use as a panchromatic dye for application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The star-shaped trimer was characterized by using Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, Carbon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (CMR), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-VIS Absorption Spectroscopy, Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Studies (EIS). CV studies revealed frontiers energy levels at −5.654 (HOMO) and −3.879 eV (LUMO) versus vacuum. The optical band gap evolved via absorption spectra measurements was found to be 1.49 eV. A planar perfect conjugation among three porphyrins sets up multiple push-pull communication and lowers the bandgap, while nine carboxylate linkers cover-up TiO2 surface effectively leading to better electronic dynamics. The DSSC set up using iodide-based redox couples forms a simple, stable, additive-free, truly energy generating device with 7.1% conversion efficiency, the highest among trimeric porphyrin category.

Upconversion photoluminescence enhancement by Gd-doped NaYF4:Yb,Er@SiO2 nanoparticles and their application in dye-sensitized solar cells

Introducing upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) onto photoanode films is an effective way to enhance the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this contribution, the β-NaYGdF4:Yb, Er UCNPs and β-NaYGdF4:Yb,Er@SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by tuning the dopant contents of the Gd ions and the β-NaYGdF4:Yb,Er@SiO2 NPs were applied as an upconverting layer in DSSCs. Upconversion photoluminescence indicates that the UCNPs doped with 5% Gd ions exhibit the strongest green and red fluorescence emissions. Moreover, the DSSCs device incorporating the NPs with 5% Gd ion dopant can achieve an optimal photovoltaic efficiency of 5.89%, which is 20.20% enhancement in comparison to the device without NPs and 16.17% increasement with respect to the device containing β-NaYF4:Yb,Er@SiO2 nanocrystals, thus highlighting the effect of the doping of the Gd ions in nanoparticles on their upconversion photoluminescence and photoelectric performance. Accordingly, the current results offer a feasible strategy for further regulating the photoluminescence property of UCNPs and optimizing the photovoltaic performance of UCNPs-based DSSCs devices.

Tuning of Structural and Magnetic Properties of SrSnO3 Nanorods in Fabrication of Blocking Layers for Enhanced Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Perovskite-based SrSnO3 nanostructures doped with indium are prepared via a facile chemical precipitation method. Prepared nanostructures are used to assemble the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and their photovoltaic response and electrochemical impedance spectra are measured. The synthesized samples are subjected to structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic properties. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the single-phase orthorhombic (Pbnm) perovskite structure. Local structural and phonon mode variations are examined by Raman spectra. Electron micrographs disclose the nanorods. The elements (Sr, Sn, O, and In) and the existence of oxygen vacancies are identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Surface area analysis demonstrates the higher surface area (11.8 m2/g) for SrSnO3 nanostructures. Optical absorption spectra confirm the good optical behavior in the ultraviolet region. The multicolor emission affirms the presence of defects/vacancies present in the synthesized samples. The appearance of interesting ferromagnetic behavior in the prepared samples is due to the presence of F-center exchange interactions. Under the irradiation (1000 W/m2) of simulated sunlight, the DSSC fabricated by 3% In-doped SrSnO3 exhibits the highest η of 5.68%. Hence, the blocking layers prepared with pure and indium-doped samples could be the potential candidates for DSSC applications.

Effect of zinc and indium doping in chalcogenide (CdS/Te) nanocomposites towards dye-sensitized solar cell applications

Transitional metal chalcogenides have recently received a lot of attention due to their tuneable band gaps and optoelectronic properties, which make them suitable candidates for energy conversion applications. In this work, we prepared undoped, zinc (Zn2+), and indium (In3+) doped cadmium sulphide/telluride (CST) nanocomposites (NCs) from chalcogenide materials by hydrothermal method for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of undoped and doped CST NCs are studied. The XRD results confirmed the polycrystalline nature of CST NCs with hexagonal phase. Further SEM and HRTEM measurements were used to investigate the morphology of the samples. The optical bandgap of the nanocomposites varied (1.99 eV–2.30 eV), with respect to type and concentration of doping elements. Current-voltage (I–V) characteristics showed higher power conversion efficiency for Zn (3%) and In (1%) doped CST NCs. This shows that doping play a crucial role in enhancing the DSSC performance and the observed results were discussed.

Synthesis and characterization of Se-doped ZnO nanocomposit material and its multi applications

The novel Se-doped ZnO nancomposite material was prepared using the sol-gel technique. The nanocomposite material at 250, 500, and 600 degrees Celsius at M.F 3 h respectively in material has been studied toward the removal of Methyl Green (MG) dye by UV and natural sun-light irradiation as a model organic pollutant from the textile industry and its stability and reusability. SEM and TEM analysis reveal the nano-flakes and nano-spherical structure. Low intensity and low band gap energy with high photocatalytic and electrochemical activity are reported by PL and DRS. We also talked about dye-sensitized solar cell applications based on vegetables (natural dye) that were reported.

Effect of carboxylic acid and cyanoacrylic acid as anchoring groups on Coumarin 6 dye for dye-sensitized solar cells: DFT and TD-DFT study

Starting with Coumarin-6 dye, two novel D-π-A organic dyes C6X and C6N have been designed by attaching carboxylic acid and cyanoacrylic acid groups as anchoring groups to Coumarn-6 dye, respectively, to understand their potential use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The electronic structure and photophysical and photovoltaic properties of the novel designed dyes were studied using density functional theory DFT and time-dependent density functional theory TD-DFT with the Becke3-Parameter-Lee–Yang–Parr (B3LYP) functional and the 6-31G (d, p) basis set. Optimized structure and electronic properties (highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (ELUMO), and energy difference (Eg) between HOMO and LUMO) were calculated showing that C6N has the smallest band gap with the larger absorption region. Density of states (DOS), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, non-linear optical (NLO) properties, UV–vis spectra, as well as some crucial parameters affecting the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs, such as light-harvesting efficiency (LHE), electron injection driving force (ΔGinject), dye regeneration driving force(ΔGreg), and the excited state life time(τe), were calculated to study the effect of the anchoring group on the DSSC performance. Additionally, the adsorption of C6X and C6N dyes on the TiO2 anatase (101) surface and the mechanism of electron injection were also investigated using a dye–(TiO2)9 cluster model using TD-B3LYP calculation. The calculated adsorption energies of the dyes suggest a strong adsorption of dyes to a TiO2 surface. The results show that C6N may be theoretically a good candidate as sensitizer of DSSC application.

Synthesis and characterization of sol–gel derived LaFe0.5Mn0.5O3 perovskite powders for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

Synthesis and characterization of sol–gel derived LaFe0.5Mn0.5O3 perovskite powders for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

Analysis of Pomegranate Dye Coated Titanium Nanotubes Anode for Solar Cell Application

The titanium nanotube array is termed as titanium nanotubes anode (TNTA). Initially, four samples of TNTA were synthesized using electrochemical anodization method. The titanium nanotube arrays (TNAs) were fixed as anode for dye-sensitized solar cell application. The execution of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is found on natural dyes removed out from natural materials. Then, pomegranate dye was exclusively prepared and coated on TNTA samples. These are very affordable and inexpensive and are abundantly available in India. The dye coated TNTAs were distinguished using UV-viewable spectrophotometer and SEM test for their spectral effects. The natural dye showed a wide-ranging absorption performance peak between 300 and 574 nm for the second sample and 300–572 nm for third sample. Their solar absorption property was studied.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from anthocyanin extracts of purple cabbage (brassica oleracea var capitata) and its characteristics for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) application

We extracted natural dye from purple cabbage (PCE) and green-synthesized the silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) from this extract for the light-harvesting material in DSSC. The anthocyanin was extracted with the maceration method for 24 hours with solvent variation (distilled water (DW), ethanol and methanol), followed by synthesized AgNPs. From FTIR, we found that the absorption area of anthocyanin at 1629 cm−1 correspond with stretch vibration of C=O shifted to 1608 cm−1 in AgNP, indicates the presence of amine group or flavanones group. The PCEs showed an amorphous non-Bragg diffraction peak at a range of (15-25)°. AgNP’s diffractogram showed an intense peak at around 37.94° originates from Ag. Visible light range absorption observed, peaked at (421, 480, 550, and 966) nm, (415 and 544) nm, and (409 and 544) for PCEs in DW, ethanol, and methanol, respectively. The peak at 550 nm that comes from aglycone group in anthocyanin would be disappeared in the AgNPs that was made by dissolving AgNO3 in DW, ethanol, and methanol. The energy gap was (2.37, 3.00, and 3.03) eV for PCEs in DW, ethanol, and methanol, respectively, and (3.20, 3.30, and 3.31) eV for AgNPs. The reduction current originated from the Faradaic process (dark and irradiated condition) was detected in the extract with DW and ethanol as solvent, while it was not noticeable in methanol. This reduction current was detected for all solvents in AgNP positioned at a positive voltage of 0.2V. To be used as a light absorber in DSSC, one must choose the dye solution with the smallest energy gap without or small reduction current.

Rapid Synthesis of Hexagonal-Shaped Zn(Al)O-MMO Nanorods for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using Zn/Al-LDH as Precursor.

This study reports a simple new technique for the preparation of novel hexagonal-shaped mixed metal oxides (MMO) nanorods using Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a precursor for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application. The effect of the Zn to Al molar ratio demonstrated a sound correlation between the obtained nanorods’ diameter and the fabricated DSSCs efficiency. Additionally, the optical behavior of the fabricated MMO film as well as the absorption enhancement due to the utilized dye are also demonstrated; a cut-off phenomenon at around 376 nm corresponds to the attained hexagonal nanorods. The open-circuit voltage augmented noticeably from 0.6 to 0.64 V alongside an increase in the diameter of nanorods from 64 to 80 nm. The results indicated that an increment in the diameter of the nanorods is desirable due to the enhanced surface area through which a higher amount of dye N719 was loaded (). This, in turn, expedited the transport of electrons within the MMO matrix resulting in an advanced short-circuit current. Of the devices fabricated, ZA-8 exhibited the highest fill factor and efficiency of 0.37% and 0.69%, respectively, because of its boosted short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage.

A synergistic effect of NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaGdF4:Nd@SiO2 upconversion nanoparticles and TiO2 hollow spheres to enhance photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

Introducing upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) or fabricating TiO2 hollow spheres (TiO2-HSs) are considered two feasible strategies to enhance the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, studies investigating a combination of UCNPs and TiO2-HSs for the application in DSSCs are still scarce. In this contribution, NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaGdF4:Nd@SiO2 UCNPs and TiO2-HSs were synthesized and respectively applied as upconversion layers and scattering layers on the TiO2 photoanode of DSSCs. The influence of different doping ratios of UCNPs on cell performance was explored. The present results reveal that the DSSCs device based on conventional P25 photoanode films incorporating the UCNPs with 10% can achieve a photovoltaic efficiency of 6.65%, showing 29.63% enhancement in comparison to the device without UCNPs. When the TiO2-HSs are used as scattering layers above the P25 film, the DSSCs device obtains a higher photovoltaic efficiency of 6.97%. More importantly, combining the UCNPs and TiO2-HSs can further enhance the photoelectrical property of DSSCs, realizing an optimal efficiency of 8.17%. Such an improvement can be attributed to a synergistic mechanism arising from the upconversion effect of UCNPs and the light scattering effect of TiO2-HSs. This work opens a new way of preparing composite photoanode films to improve the photovoltaic performances of DSSCs.

Novel polymeric metal complexes of salicylaldehyde schiff base derivative being used for dye sensitizer

For studying the effect of metal complexes used as auxiliary electron acceptors of dye sensitizers in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) on photovoltaic performance, four polymeric metal complexes, which adopt 1,4-dioctyloxy-2,5-dibromobenzene or thienylbenzo-[1,2-b:4,5-b']-dithiophene (BDTT) as electron donor (D), salicylaldehyde schiff base derivatives as auxiliary acceptor (A), 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative as π bridge and acceptor (A), were designed, synthesized and characterized. The influence of different donor and metal complexes of the four dye sensitizers on performance were discussed by determining their thermal, photophysical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties. The DSSC devices based on the four polymeric metal complexes PBDTT–SF–Cd, PBDTT–SF–Cu, PPV-SF-Cd and PPV-SF-Cu exhibited a short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 14.94 mA cm−2, 14.86 mA cm−2, 10.23 mA cm−2 and 9.80 mA cm−2 as well as acquired power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.59%, 8.45%, 5.29% and 4.77% respectively under the AM 1.5 irradiation (100 mW cm−2). Both Jsc and PCE value of the four polymeric metal complexes are in a decreased order. The phenomenon is attributed to not only the variable strength of coordination bond formed between metal ion and ligand, which can be affected by the radius and charge number of metal ion, but also the better electron-donating ability of BDTT. In common charge number, bigger radius of metal ion will cause more powerful coordination bond as well as greater electron-withdrawing ability of auxiliary acceptor and charge-transfer ability between donor and acceptor. This work provides a distinctive perspective for the design of D-A-π-A motif complexes in DSSC application.

Effect of Exchange–correlation Functionals on Ground State Geometries, Optoelectronic and Charge Transfer of Triphenylamine-based Dyes

The importance of the Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation approach lies in their ability to provide a highly accurate prediction of structural and optoelectronic properties. However, the traditional methods of DFT failed to predict optoelectronic properties satisfactorily. Therefore, it will be necessary to examine methods containing different percentages of Hartree-Fock exchange and correlation in order to find the most suitable functionals. DFT and Time-Dependent-DFT (TD-DFT) calculations was carried out using four different functionals approximations incorporating a different amount of Hartree Fock exchange (B3LYP, BHandHLYP, CAM-B3LYP and LCωPBE), in order to evaluate their accuracies to predict the geometrical, optoelectronic and charge transfer properties of four triphenylamine-based dyes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) applications. The functional hybrid B3LYP was the best among adopted functional that reproduced the geometrical, optoelectronic and charge transfer properties. On the other hand, it has been shown that the Hartree-Fock exchange percentage for BHandHLYP, significantly improved TD-DFT results in the case of organic dyes. Moreover, the corrected long-range functionals (CAM-B3LYP and LC-wPBE) present valuable tools for giving results of comparable precision with experimental optical data. In terms of the choice of the most appropriate functional for computational calculation, the obtained results can be useful for future DSSC applications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v14i1.1682

Donor functionalized perylene and different π-spacer based sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cell applications - a theoretical approach.

A series of perylene-based novel metal-free organic dye sensitizers are designed and optimized for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. The electronic and optical properties are analyzed through density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) approach. For perylene-based donors, the effects of additional donor units and different π-spacer positions were investigated. Cyanovinyl and thiophene are used as π-spacers, dimethylamine (DM) and N-N-dimethylaniline (DMA) are used as additional donors, and cyanoacrylic acid is used as mono acceptor unit for the designed sensitizers. Natural bonding orbitals (NBOs), frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), UV-Vis, and nonlinear orbital analysis were predicted to find the net electron transfer, energy gap, absorption spectra, and electronic charge distribution for perylene-based dye sensitizers, respectively. The electron injection and electron regeneration properties were also analyzed for perylene-based sensitizers.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles as counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell

Dye-sensitized solar cells are an impending new technology for addressing energy and environmental issues. Counter electrodes based on ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles are made by drop casting onto ITO glass to address the high cost of the preferred platinum counter electrode. These counter electrodes are employed in dye-sensitized solar cell applications. This work investigates the ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles synthesized by using the sol-gel method. In order to better understand the morphological, optical, and structural features of the produced nanoparticles, a variety of characterization methods were used in this work. The prepared sample was subjected to calcination/annealing at 100 °C, 300 °C and 500 °C; and the UV–Vis spectroscopy results revealed that the sample calcinated at 100 °C demonstrates better absorption as compared to others. Two samples of ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles i.e., as-synthesized (sample A) and the one annealed at 100 °C (sample B), were investigated as counter electrode in methyl orange-based dye-sensitized solar cell. Moreover, the results were compared to the conventional platinum counter electrode. When sample B of binary nanoparticles-based counter electrode was compared to sample A, it was seen that sample B exhibits much higher electrocatalytic activity toward I3− reduction. A power conversion efficiency of 5.73% is accomplished by the dye-sensitized solar cell utilizing sample B counter electrode, which is significantly greater than the 4.55% and 4.51% achieved by the sample A and platinum counter electrodes, respectively. The findings suggest that using the drop casting approach to manufacture durable counter electrodes based on ZnO@WO3 core/shell nanoparticles is a potential option for constructing dye-sensitized solar cells.

DFT, DFTB and TD-DFT theoretical investigations of π-conjugated molecules based on thieno[2,3-b] indole for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

In this study, the electrochemical, photovoltaic and absorption properties of the new designed organic sensitizers dyes: Dye-1, Dye-2, Dye-3 and Dye-4 based on Dye-R, of D-π-A architecture, before and after binding to the TiO2 cluster surface on the ability to inject electrons to the surface. The D donor is the thieno[2,3-b] indole, π-spacer is thiophene, A acceptor is cycnoacrylic acid (CA). The properties were calculated using functional density theory (DFT), time-dependent TD-DFT and the density-functional tight-binding (DFTB) approach. Our study also focused on the analysis of the effects of the introduction of the auxiliary donor (D′)/acceptor (A′) groups on the main photovoltaic properties of the reference molecule Dye-R and to study the relationship between the molecular structure and optoelectronic properties. The analysis of the calculated properties of the new designed compounds D-D′-π-A (Dye-1), D-π-D′-A (Dye-2), D-A′-π-A (Dye-3) and D-π-A′-A (Dye-4), where A′ is benzothiadiazole and D′ is 9,9-diethyl-9H-fluorene, indicate that the molecular architecture has a significant effect on various properties of the studied dyes and that nature (donor D ′or acceptor A′) of the introduced groups, as well as the choice of their locations with respect to the π bridge, is of great importance. Indeed, among the four designed compounds Dye-4 (D-π-A′-A) and Dye-3 (D-A′-π-A) display significantly better properties than those of the reference molecule Dye-R (D-π-A) and of the two other designed dyes Dye-1 (D-D′-π-A), Dye-2 (D-π-D′-A).

Investigating the effect of π-configurations and methoxy substitution on donor and π- spacers based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cell applications–computational approach

Investigating the effect of π-configurations and methoxy substitution on donor and π- spacers based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cell applications–computational approach