Components Of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

2-Axis controlled spray pyrolysis deposition device for Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based photovoltaic systems due to their efficient light-to-electricity conversion. A critical component of DSSCs is titanium dioxide (TiO2), responsible for converting light into electrical energy. Spray pyrolysis was one of the methods for fabricating TiO2 thin films. However, there are several drawbacks, such as challenges in particle size control, maintaining homogeneity of the thin film, and scalability issues during the deposition process. Modifications to the manufacturing process are necessary to achieve optimal performance in DSSCs, particularly with the thickness of the cell. This work focuses on the 2-axis spray pyrolysis process, a cost-effective way to create thin and thick films. In particular, it focuses on TiO2 thin films utilized as working electrodes in DSSC applications. The method was performed at different motor speeds, namely MS80, MS100, and MS120. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum showed that the dominance of the anatase phase appeared in an MS100. The UV-Vis results depict that the band gap value is 3.02 eV. The surface profiler analysis indicates that sample MS100 has an optimal thickness of 15.17 µm. The DSSC achieved 9.4% efficiency with sample MS100. This finding demonstrates that using 2-axis controlled spray pyrolysis deposition improves DSSC performance with an optimal motor speed.

Study of photosensitizer dyes for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells application: A computational investigation

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer a promising, cost-effective alternative to conventional photovoltaic systems. Organic sensitizers, capable of capturing a broad spectrum of sunlight, are key components in DSSCs, but their development and testing are often time-consuming and expensive. Quantum chemical calculations, specifically Density Functional Theory (DFT), have emerged as valuable tools to evaluate potential dye candidates, streamlining the design process and reducing costs. This study investigated the molecular structures and photophysical properties of three common dye classes used in high-performance DSSCs: natural pigments, anthocyanidin pigments, and squaraine dyes. Employing DFT and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) at the B3LYP/6–31G level, key parameters such as the HOMO-LUMO energy gap, free energy differences for electron injection and dye regeneration, short-circuit current density, total reorganization energy, and open-circuit voltage were analyzed. Additionally, maximum absorption wavelengths and oscillator strength values were calculated. Our findings provide valuable insights into the optical and electrical properties of these natural dyes, aiding DSSC manufacturers in selecting optimal sensitizers. This research highlights the potential of computational methods in accelerating dye development and improving the overall efficiency of DSSC technology.

Utilization of natural dyes extracted from mustard flower (Genus: Brassica, Species: Napus) as photosensitizer for DSSC: Experimental and computational studies

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are considered as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies, while exploring alternatives to traditional silicon-based solar cells. Dye sensitizer is a very important component of DSSC and the use of natural dyes in these cells is a promising development for this technology, as it has non-hazardous impact on the environment. This work reports the new natural dye extracted from Brassica Napus flower petals and used as sensitizer in TiO2 based DSSC. UV–Vis spectra showed the presence of carotenoid and flavonoid pigments along with broad absorption in dye loaded TiO2. FITR revealed functional groups in the Brassica Napus dye extract. Mass spectroscopy was used to find major constituents present in extract. With the natural Brassica Napus sensitizer and TiO2, photovoltaic performance results viz. conversion efficiency (ɳ%) 0.062, short circuit current density (Jsc) 0.45 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (Voc) 0.260 V and fill factor (FF) 0.52 were observed. Further, HOMO-LUMO levels of constituents present in Brassica Napus have been measured via CV measurements and compared with relative energetic obtained by computational studies. The transport characteristics revealed from EIS studies were used to rationalize the observed photo-voltaic performance of the DSSC.

Optimization Thickness of Photoanode Layer and Membrane as Electrolyte Trapping Medium for Improvement Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) are photovoltaic devices that contain a dye that acts as a solar light acceptor. The use of dyesensitized solar cells to solve increasing energy demand and environmental problems still results in low efficiency values. In this study, optimization of DSSC components was carried out to increase DSSC efficiency by varying the thickness of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor photoanode layer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) trap electrolyte membrane, and polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber (PVDF NF) to obtain the optimum thickness. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results of membrane thickness variation and titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor photoanode coating showed the formation of nanofiber fibers composed of three-dimensional, porous, and diameter networks connected to the PVDF NF membrane. The increase in density and decrease in pore size, along with an increase in thickness and cracking as the TiO2 photoanode semiconductor layer increases, affect the electron transport rate of the DSSC. The higher particle density level will inhibit the electron transport rate, so it can reduce the efficiency of DSSC. The optimum thickness of the TiO2 semiconductor layer and PVDF NF electrolyte membrane of 0.20 mm and 0.35 mm can produce values, voltage, fill factor current density, and electrical efficiency of 500 mV, 2.7 x 10−3 mA.cm−2, 1.80%, and 2.40%, respectively.

Application of rice husk as a carbon source for substitution of sensitizer and counter electrode material in dye-sensitized solar cells

The third generation of solar cells is dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). DSSC can convert solar energy into electrical energy. The main components of DSSC include working electrode, counter electrode, sensitizer, and electrolyte. Substitution of commercial chemicals for the sensitizer (N719) and the counter electrode (platinum) of DSSC will lower the cost of DSSC fabrication. This study focuses on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots (N-CQDs) synthesized from rice husks as a sensitizer. Then, DSSC with sensitizer of N719 (Pt-1) and N-CQDs (Pt-2) were compared. Furthermore, the N-CQDs residue in solid carbon was used as the counter electrode material using different sensitizers N719 (C-1) and N-CQDs (C-2). Based on the results, the FTIR characterization of N-CQDs showed the functional groups N-H, O-H, C=O, and CN. The UV-VIS characterization of N-CQDs had absorbance in the wavelength range of 200-400 nm. Pt-2 has an efficiency value of 0.258%, Jsc of 2.188 mA/cm2 Voc of 0.6 volts, and FF of 0.20. C-2 has an efficiency of 0.0010%, Jsc of 0.042 mA/cm2 Voc of 0.131 volts, and FF of 0.17. This confirms that N-CQDs can be used as a sensitizer and counter electrode material, although the results are not as good as commercial chemicals.

Synthesis of Mg-doped TiO2 Using a Hydrothermal Method as Photoanode on Bixin-Sensitized Solar Cell

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) with magnesium (Mg) doping for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) photoanode application has been synthesized. DSSC components used in this study were photosensitizer (bixin), electrolyte (), cathode (platinum), and photoanode (Mg-TiO2). This research aims to determine the characteristics of Mg-doped TiO2 photoanode with variations in dopant concentration based on the results of XRD and DR/UV-Vis analysis, as well as to determine the maximum efficiency conversion energy of DSSC using Mg-doped TiO2 and undoped TiO2 as photoanodes. The synthesis of TiO2 and Mg-TiO2 was carried out using the hydrothermal method with variations in the concentration of Mg dopant of 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% based on the molar ratio. The presenceof 2% of Mg in anatase TiO2 paste decreased the TiO2 band gap from 3.15 to 2.60 eV. Analysis results show that adding Mg dopant decreased the crystal size. Mg dopants on TiO2 could also form new energy levels, which reduced the band gap energy of TiO2. In addition, the increased concentration of Mg dopants also shifted the absorption capacity of TiO2 from the ultra-violet (UV) wavelengths region to the visible light area. The maximum energy conversion efficiency of the DSSCs with Mg-doped TiO2 photoanode of 0.5, 1, and 2% are 0.045; 0.070, and 0.172%, respectively, where these three efficiency values are higher than undoped TiO2 (0.017%). The results proved that the presence of Mg dopants on the TiO2 photoanode can increase the efficiency of DSSC.

Low-Cost Solar Energy Harvesting: A Study on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Inthanin Leaf Extract as a Natural Photosensitizer


 
 
 
 The world is actively pursuing renewable energy resources to combat environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Solar energy is the most abundant, continuously available form of renewable energy, and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are being explored as an alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells due to their low cost of materials, ease of production, and efficiency. The photoanode is a crucial component in DSSCs, and the main challenges faced by these solar cells are charge recombination and low light harvesting ability. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of natural dyes as the sensitizer for the fabrication of DSSCs. Natural pigments were extracted from Inthanin leaves using the solvent extraction technique. The concentration and composition of the pigment were analyzed through pigment analysis utilizing UV a spectrophotometer. Inthanin has a higher chlorophyll a to b ratio. A higher chlorophyll a to b ratio has been shown to be associated with improved light harvesting and electron transport efficiency. This is because chlorophyll a is more efficient at transferring electrons to the electron transport chain than chlorophyll b. The higher chlorophyll a to b ratio could lead to improved electron transfer to the photoanode. The photoelectric parameters of the DSSC were evaluated using I-V characterization. DSSCs coated with Inthanin dye extract produced a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 0.02 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.07 V, fill factor (FF) of 33% and an efficiency (????) of 0.1%.
 
 
 

High efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells with a novel two dimensional Cd-V-LDH photoanode

The present study demonstrates a novel photoanode layer double hydroxide (LDH) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The search for a photoanode (PA) with low cost and high power conversion efficiency (PCE) has become one of the most significant challenges facing researchers. LDH has proven successful as a photocatalyst in various fields. In this paper, a novel Cd-V-LDH with a molar ratio of Cd:V = 1:1 was synthesized by the coprecipitation method and used as a novel PA in DSSCS. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nitrogen sorption analysis, UV–Vis absorption spectrum, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to examine the produced Cd-V-LDH. Cd-V-LDH as PA, Eosin Y (EY) as a photosensitizer, LiI-I2 as a liquid electrolyte, and g-C3N4 (GN) as a photocathode (PC) are the component of DSSCs. The series cells of DSSCs were assembled and the available variables have been studied to achieve the best performance under normal conditions. These variables, e.g., concentration and pH of EY, active area of PA, and different types of PC, e.g., graphene oxide (GO), commercial carbon (CC), and (GN). The open circuit voltage (VOC) and short circuit current density (JSC) for the Cd-V-LDH/EY/LiI-I2/GN system were observed to be 705 mV and 12.40 mA/cm2, and has a PCE of 5.4% comparable to Cd-V-LDH/EY/LiI-I2/GO and Cd-V-LDH/EY/LiI-I2/CC, which have PCEs of 4.9% and 3.8%, respectively, in the identical testing conditions.

Immobilization of a new copper (II) complex dye with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and functional simulation in dye-sensitized solar cell

ABSTRACT Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are third-generation photovoltaics as an alternative and eco-friendly energy production method. Sensitizer dyes are the main component of DSSC which can increase their efficiency and optical response level. So, the optimal selection of sensitizers is critical for the better performance of solar cells. Recently, the use of more easily accessible metals such as copper in DSSCs has been investigated, especially for indoor uses under ambient light sources. Nevertheless, more work needs to prepare stable and highly efficient DSSCs. In the present study, a new ligand has been synthesized by 2,2′- bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (H2bpdc@ MWCNTs) and then complexed with a novel dye from alizarin and para-nitroaniline through Cu (II). The structural and optical properties of the product were evaluated for employment in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The novel dye was fully characterized using 1H NMR, UV-Vis, and also Raman spectroscopy. The proposed DSSCs based on Cu- H2bpdc-Dye@ multiwalled carbon nanotubes were designed and modeled using COMSOL Multiphysics software. For this purpose, the complex refractive index of Cu H2bpdc-Dye@ MWCNT solar cell was determined using spectroscopic ellipsometry. It represents a unique and high refractive index, reaching 2.13 at 475 nm. The current–voltage curve and electrical parameters of the ITO/Cu- H2bpdc-Dye@MWCNTs/TiO2/ITO structure were calculated using COMSOL software. This DSSC based on Cu-H2bpdc-Dye @MWCNTs thin layer achieved 10.51% of η(JSC = 16.8 mA cm−2, VOC = 0.85 V, and FF = 73.6%) under simulated solar irradiation. It can be considered a potential candidate for employment in a new generation of dye-sensitized solar cells instead of the rare heavy metal-based dyes in DSSCs.

Green Synthesis of Pristine and Ag-Doped TiO2 and Investigation of Their Performance as Photoanodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as a potential candidate for third-generation thin film solar energy conversion systems because of their outstanding optoelectronic properties, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and easy manufacturing process. The electron transport layer is one of the most essential components in DSSCs since it plays a crucial role in the device's greatest performance. Silver ions as a dopant have drawn attention in DSSC device applications because of their stability under ambient conditions, decreased charge recombination, increased efficient charge transfer, and optical, structural, and electrochemical properties. Because of these concepts, herein, we report the synthesis of pristine TiO2 using a novel green modified solvothermal simplistic method. Additionally, the prepared semiconductor nanomaterials, Ag-doped TiO2 with percentages of 1, 2, 3, and 4%, were used as photoanodes to enhance the device's performance. The obtained nanomaterials were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDS, and UV-vis techniques. The average crystallite size for pristine TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 with percentages of 1, 2, 3, and 4% was found to be 13 nm by using the highest intensity peaks in the XRD spectra. The Ag-doped TiO2 nanomaterials exhibited excellent photovoltaic activity as compared to pristine TiO2. The incorporation of Ag could assist in successful charge transport and minimize the charge recombination process. The DSSCs showed a Jsc of 8.336 mA/cm2, a Voc of 698 mV, and an FF of 0.422 with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.45% at a Ag concentration of 4% under illumination of 100 mW/cm2 power with N719 dye, indicating an important improvement when compared to 2% Ag-doped (PCE of 0.97%) and pristine TiO2 (PCE of 0.62%).

A Review on Current State, Recent Developments and Future Prospects of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

The sun is a primary abundant renewable source of energy for most of the life forms in our planet. By fully grasping the power of the sun, we can improve our way of life, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels or other types of energy sources and stimulate economy by bringing new jobs to all our planet industry. Among sustainable and renewable energy sources, solar cell, also known as photovoltaic cell, is one of the promising options of renewable energy and the most efficient. For the past several years, different photovoltaic devices like inorganic, organic and hybrid solar cells are invented for different application purposes. Regardless of its high conversion rate of silicon-based solar cells, the high module cost and complicated production process restricted their application. Research has been focused on alternative organic solar cells for their inherent low module cost and easy fabrication processes. Dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is considered to be one of the most promising, efficient, low-cost organic solar cells in recent years. DSSC, being transparent to some extent and comparatively cheaper than conventional solar photo-voltaic, can be a potential energy source for the future. This review paper focuses on the working of DSSC, its current state and recent developments in the various components of DSSC. The perspectives for the future development of the technology have also been discussed.

Effect of High Dielectric SrF2 in TiO2 photoanode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have been extensively investigated as promising candidate for solar energy conversion owing to their low cost, eco-friendly and high device efficiency. Among the other, photoanode is one of the key components in DSSC which defines its performance. Charge recombination and low light harvesting are the two major drawbacks of conventional TiO2 photoanode which limits the device efficiency. With this aim, the present work focused on the preparation of high dielectric SrF2 nanoparticles (ε’=6.844 x 106 at 1 Hz) and its study on incorporation with TiO2 photoanode with various weight percentages for device assembly. It can reduce the recombination by strong electrostatic shielding and increase the charge collection efficiency through interfacial polarization at dielectric-semiconductor interface shown in Fig.1. Improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.581% is obtained in 10 wt% SrF2:90 wt% TiO2 based photoanode which is 8.3% higher than the device efficiency of pure TiO2 based DSSC (6.997%). The interfacial charge transport kinetics of fabricated DSSCs are also explored using electrochemical impedance spectral (EIS) analysis. Low recombination resistance Rrec (49.9 Ω) in 10 wt% SrF2:90 wt% TiO2 based DSSC reveals the reduced recombination dynamics compared to other devices due to the optimized concentration of SrF2 incorporation in TiO2 photoanode for balancing charge injection and recombination. Keywords: DSSC; SrF2; Interfacial polarization; Dielectric constant and EIS Acknowledgement: This work was supported by Brain Pool Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Korea. (Grant number: 2019H1D3A1A01071183). It was also supported by the Technology Development Program to Solve Climate Changes of the National Research Foundation, funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (No: NRF-2016M1A2A2940912). Fi gure.1. Dielectric plot as a function of angular frequency (Inset shows interfacial polarization at dielectric-semiconductor interface). Figure 1

Recent developments in metal‐free organic sensitizers derived from carbazole, triphenylamine, and phenothiazine for dye‐sensitized solar cells

In the present context of increasing population, renewable and sustainable energy alternatives are very much essential to satisfy the necessities of the world. To satisfy this growing demand, scientists are prioritizing the production of cost-effective and high-performance clean energy appliances. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are one such material that is at the forefront of modern solar cell technologies. Being one of the main components of DSSCs, metal-free organic dyes play a crucial role in light processing and electron injection. In recent times, carbazole (CZ)-, triphenylamine (TPA)-, and phenothiazine (PTZ)-based derivatives have been identified as suitable alternatives to Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes because they are easy to synthesize and exhibit excellent thermal and electronic properties. This review focuses largely on the latest developments in the use of monoanchored and multianchored CZ, TPA, and PTZ scaffolds for DSSC applications and focuses especially on the correlation between molecular design and photovoltaic performance. The physical properties of devices can be adjusted through the sensitizer's strategic design that helps to improve the performance of the devices. We tabulated the photovoltaic parameters corresponding to all dyes presented in this review. Also, applications of additives are presented after the systematic review on CZ-, TPA-, and PTZ-based dyes.

Development of dye sensitized solar cells

With the development of society, the demand for energy is increasing significantly, and the environmental problems are becoming more and more serious. Therefore, it is urgent to find efficient and clean new energy. Among the many new energy sources, solar energy has been favoured most for its universality, harmlessness and low cost. In 1991, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has been greatly improved, which has attracted the attention. In recent 30 years, the researches on DSSCs have been increasing and expanding. Dye sensitizer is the most important component of DSSC, and also a key issue of researchers. This paper aims to summarize the types, structures and development trends of dye sensitizers, and provide inspiration for us to design and evaluate new dye sensitizers.

Hubungan Sifat Optik terhadap Performa Kinerja Sel Surya DSSC Transparan Berbahan Dye DN-F01 sebagai Sensitizer

<p>Dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is the third generation of solar cells that currently developing by researchers to get the best performance. The selection of dye as a component of DSSC has a big influence in the light absorption process. In this study, DN-F01 organic dye was used as a sensitizer with various concentrations. The optical properties test was carried out on the DN-F01 dye solution by UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-1800) and the DSSC fabricated performance was tested by portable solar simulator (ORIEL Sol1A). From the results, the DN-F01 absorbance has ability to absorb light in the 300-500 nm wavelength range. The greatest efficiency value in this research is 2.44% obtained from the sample was immersed with the largest concentration of dye DN-F01 which has the smallest band gap energy of 2.38 eV.</p>

An Overview of the Operational Principles, Light Harvesting and Trapping Technologies, and Recent Advances of the Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (Review)

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) which fall under the category of the third generation solar cells have been extensively studied because of the presume low cost, simple methods of preparation, low levels of toxicity and ease of manufacturing. However, due to their low conversion efficiency: relatively low performance compares with other photovoltaic devices, and unpromising-long-term stability, this hampers it usage on a commercial or industrial scale. The highest efficiency ever recorded for a DSSC material was about 12% using Ru(II) dyes when its material and structural properties were optimized. However, this efficiency is less when compared to the efficiencies of the first and second generation of solar cells, (thin-film solar cells and first generation (Si-based) solar cells) whose efficiency were about 20–30%. This article therefore provides an overview of the operational principles, light harvesting and trapping technologies, and recent advancesof the DSSCs. We highlighted the reasons it should be given much research attention, some improved light harvesting and trapping technology, operating principle, component of DSSC and lastly, the highlight of the future prospective alongside the need to revisit the associated problems of low stability, scalability, and low efficiency.

Effect of precipitating agents on the performance of ZnO nanoparticles based photo-anodes in dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC), as a unique non-conventional energy system, is rapidly gaining more attention from researchers. Efforts to fabricate photovoltaic devices with high conversion efficiencies at low cost with a simple fabrication process have prompted researchers to continuously work on different components of DSSC. This research focuses on the effect of precipitating agents, sodium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide on the fabrication of ZnO-based DSSCs. ZnO nanoparticles were prepared and characterized based on structural and microstructural analyses, UV-absorption and reflectance spectroscopy, and FTIR analysis, as one of the potential semiconductor photo-anodes for DSSCs. The uniformly prepared films using the doctor blade technique were soaked in Ruthenizer 535-bisTBA dye solutions for sensitization. The films were assembled and current-density characteristics measurements were taken using a solar simulator at 100 mW/cm2 and 25 °C. The effect of precipitating agents on the performance of the fabricated DSSC was studied. Photovoltaic performance evaluation of DSSCs using N719 dye as a sensitizer revealed that the open-circuit voltage (VOC) ranged between 0.535 and 0.719 V, and the short-circuit photocurrent density (JSC) was in the range of 3.621 to 5.875 mAcm−2. The highest conversion efficiency of 2.43 % was recorded for the synthesized ZnO semiconductor photo-anode using NaOH as the precipitating agent.

Comparative photo-response performances of dye sensitized solar cells using dyes from selected plants

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using extracted dyes from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower, helianthus annuus flower, mimosa pudica leaves, Luffa cylindrical flower and Lonchocarpus cyanescens leaves. The TiO2 photoelectrodes were prepared and deposited using Doctor blade method and then annealed at 450 °C. The elemental composition, structural and morphological studies of the TiO2 photoelectrodes were carried out as well. Optical properties of the dye extract and the dyed photoelectrodes was studied as well as their photoelectrochemical performances. The extracts showed the UV–Vis absorptions in the visible part of light spectrum. The DSSCs components were assembled into a cell module. The DSSC conversion efficiency was studied and DSSC based on dye extracts from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower, Helianthus annuus flower and Luffa cylindrical flower, Lonchocarpus cyanescens leaves and Mimosa pudica leaves revealed overall photocurrent conversion efficiencies of 0.48%, 0.35%, 0.29% 0.17% and 0.13% respectively.

Synergetic Effects of Hybrid Carbon Nanostructured Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: A Review.

This article provides an overview of the structural and physicochemical properties of stable carbon-based nanomaterials and their applications as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The research community has long sought to harvest highly efficient third-generation DSSCs by developing carbon-based CEs, which are among the most important components of DSSCs. Since the initial introduction of DSSCs, Pt-based electrodes have been commonly used as CEs owing to their high-electrocatalytic activities, thus, accelerating the redox couple at the electrode/electrolyte interface to complete the circuit. However, Pt-based electrodes have several limitations due to their cost, abundance, complicated facility, and low corrosion resistance in a liquid electrolyte, which further restricts the large-area applications of DSSCs. Although carbon-based nanostructures showed the best potential to replace Pt-CE of DSSC, several new properties and characteristics of carbon-CE have been reported for future enhancements in this field. In this review, we discuss the detailed synthesis, properties, and performances of various carbonaceous materials proposed for DSSC-CE. These nano-carbon materials include carbon nanoparticles, activated carbon, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotube, two-dimensional graphene, and hybrid carbon material composites. Among the CE materials currently available, carbon-carbon hybridized electrodes show the best performance efficiency (up to 10.05%) with a high fill factor (83%). Indeed, up to 8.23% improvements in cell efficiency may be achieved by a carbon-metal hybrid material under sun condition. This review then provides guidance on how to choose appropriate carbon nanomaterials to improve the performance of CEs used in DSSCs.

Preparation and Characterization of Novel Polymer-Based Gel Electrolyte for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) and poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) or poly(dimethylsiloxane) bis(3-aminopropyl) Copolymers.

Polymer gel electrolytes based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) (PAB) or poly(dimethylsiloxane) bis(3-aminopropyl)-terminated (PDES-bAP) copolymers were prepared and investigated in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Selected optical and electrochemical properties of all compositions with various ratio from 9:1 to 6:4 were investigated towards DSSC applications. The highest value of power conversion efficiency equal to 5.07% was found for DSSCs containing a PVDF-HPF:PAB (9:1) gel electrolyte. Compositions of electrolytes were additionally tested by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The influence of the ratio and type of polymers used as an additive to PVDF-HPF on absorption wavelengths, energy gap, and Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) levels were investigated. Individual components of DSSCs, such as the TiO2 layer and platinum nanoparticles, were imaged by scanning electron microscope. Finally, a DSSC module with six electrically separated solar cells with a 7 × 80 mm2 active area was constructed based on gel electrolytes and tested.