Efficiency Of DSSC Research Articles

PENINGKATAN EFISIENSI DAN STABILITAS DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL (DSSC) ORGANIK DENGAN ELEKTROLIT POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL

This research will discuss the use of PEG with variations in molecular weight on the stability and efficiency of DSSC. Variations in the molecular weight of PEG used were 4000, 6000 and 10000 which were added to electrolytes containing iodine and potassium iodide using ethanol Pro Analyst as a solvent, then each electrolyte sample was tested for functional groups. Efficiency testing is carried out after the DSSC assembly is complete. Stability testing is carried out by repeated efficiency tests every 5 days after the first efficiency test and is carried out until the third test. The results of the FTIR functional group test showed that there were differences between the electrolyte samples without PEG and the electrolyte samples with PEG addition, but the PEG samples with different molecular weights showed identical functional group readings. The efficiency test results show that the use of PEG increases the efficiency of DSSC compared to DSSC without PEG where the DSSC sample with the lowest PEG molecular weight has the highest efficiency due to the low crystallinity of the polymeric material with low molecular weight thereby increasing ionic conductivity which affects the efficiency increase. The results of the stability test showed that the use of PEG could increase the stability of DSSC where the highest resistance was found in the DSSC with the lowest molecular weight PEG because of its low crystallinity which keeps its ionic conductivity high without being degraded so that efficiency can be maintained.

Improving the efficiency of polymer solar cells based on chitosan@PVA@rGO composites via gamma-irradiated treatment of rGO nanoparticles

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) are growing as attractive contenders for renewable energy technologies given their low cost, adaptability, and environmental sustainability, rendering them valuable in combating climate change. Interestingly, this work investigates the augmentation of photon absorption and overall efficiency in low-cost, effective active layers (ALs) via gamma irradiation treatment, thereby raising the number of active absorption sites. For the first time, novel Chitosan@PVA@rGO (CPG) composite sheets were created as AL materials and treated to varied dosages of in-situ gamma irradiation (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 KGy) to optimize their microstructural and physicochemical characteristics. The processed ALs were subjected to comprehensive tests, which included J–V variable evaluation as well as evaluations of microstructure, porosity, morphology, contact angle, optical characteristics, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The findings reveal that the composites' surface properties got better gradually as gamma irradiation dosages grew; peak performance was reached at 30 KGy (75.9 % apparent porosity and roughness parameter Ra = 6.22 μm). Extended gamma irradiation resulted in increased DSSC efficiency, which reached 6.85 % after 10 KGy and 7.63 % after 20 KGy. High-energy gamma photons boosted mobility and decreased resistive limits by reducing carrier recombination and facilitating charge carrier movement inside CPG compounds. This increased the longevity and charge transfer efficiency of the solar cell. After 30 KGy alteration, the CPG AL's optimized efficiency of 8.78 % and Jsc of 20.23 mA/cm2 indicate a 44.3 % improvement in efficacy over the pristine material. The insertion of oxygen-enriched free radicals into the CPG structure is responsible for the improvement in photovoltaic efficiency because it creates continuous pathways for fast electron transport. This work provides an innovative perspective on the use of heteroatom-doped ALs in PSCs by highlighting the benefits of co-doping and regulated heteroatom species.

The role of masking and aperture size for accurate measurement of performance parameters of DSSCs

DSSC efficiency is often reported with very little or no consideration of the cell area for which they are reported. Area masking of cells is almost always used for the measurement of cell performance parameters (Jsc, Voc, and FF). Although edge masking is required to exclude edge effects, a variety of masking including masking a major portion of the cells are frequently used to boost the apparent efficiency of the cell. In this work, it will be shown that the reported efficiency of a cell is strongly dependent on the exposed area. Two different kinds of cells have been considered in this work to elucidate the area effect: first is a large active area cell whose performance metrics are obtained by masking various fraction of the active area. Second, cells were fabricated with active areas ranging from small to large. A comparison of these two kinds of cells demonstrates that the cells with smaller areas show area-dependent performance parameters. A cell with a 4 mm2 exposed area will show a higher efficiency of 10.47 % while the efficiency will drop to ∼ 3 % as the area increases to 60 mm2 or higher. Such area dependence can be avoided if the cell area/exposed area selected is 60 mm2 or above. The reason for the area dependence has been identified to be due to the presence of trap states and not due to scattering which is sometimes used in the literature to explain the area dependence.

Carbazole-phenothiazine sensitizers boost tandem DSSC efficiency to 12.85 %

This study presents a significant advancement in tandem dye-sensitized solar cells (T-DSSCs) through the development of two carbazole-phenothiazine hybrid sensitizers, AEFH-1 and AEFH-2. AEFH-2, featuring a 4-carboxylcyanoacetamide acceptor group, thus achieving a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.70 %, surpassing AEFH-1 (10.21 %) and the standard N719 dye (7.60 %). The superior performance of AEFH-2 is attributed to its optimized molecular design, which enhances the charge separation and electron injection efficiency. The incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) of AEFH-2 reached 91.54 %, which was significantly higher than that of N719 (77.0 %) because of its strong electron-withdrawing groups and multiple anchoring functionalities, which improved TiO2 binding and charge transfer. Furthermore, an innovative double-sided parallel tandem DSSC (PT-DSSC) architecture was developed by integrating (N719 (top) and AEFH-2 (bottom)), resulting in a PCE of 12.85 %. This configuration exhibited exceptional photovoltaic parameters, including a Voc of 0.900 V, Jsc of 21.01 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 67.95 %. The high IPCE of 97.50 % in the tandem setup was attributed to the complementary absorption profiles of N719 and AEFH-2, coupled with the light-trapping effect of the double-sided structure, enabling superior light harvesting and charge separation. Stability analysis further confirmed the durability of the tandem PT-DSSC, with performance maintained over 1000 h of continuous illumination, thus emphasizing its practical applicability. These findings underscore the potential of molecular engineering and architectural innovation to significantly enhance the efficiency and scalability of DSSCs, paving the way for high-performance, long-lasting solar energy devices.

Optimal extraction, phytochemical and electrochemical potential assessment of pigments from Persicaria Lapathifolia for dye-sensitized solar cell application

In this study, we concentrated on optimal extraction, phytochemical, and electrochemical assessment of natural pigments from the roots and flowers of Persicaria lapathifolia as new sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells. The extraction technique required optimizing the use of acidified ethanol with acetic acid and hydrochloric acid as flower and root extractants, respectively. Photo-electrochemical tests revealed that these pigments could improve the efficiency of DSSCS. The optical characterization revealed maximal absorbance peaks at 462 and 654 nm for root dye and 535, 606 and 666 nm for blossom dye. Phytochemical examination revealed the presence of anthocyanins flavonoids glycoside linkage and betacyanin in both extracts. The Cyclic voltammetry tests revealed oxidation potential peaks in root and floral dyes the HOMO and LUMO potentials were calculated for both dyes, revealing values that could help improve DSSC performance. The DSSCS sensitized with flower extract had an open circuit voltage of 0.649 V a brief current pulse of 3.8 mA and an efficiency of 1.6335%. On the other hand root, pigment-based DSSCS performed slightly inferior with a Voc of 0.55 V an Isc of 3.7 mA, and an efficiency of 1.33%. These findings point to the potential of Persicaria lapathifolia pigments to boost DSSC efficiency emphasizing the relevance of sustainable energy sources. More research and optimization are required to realize the potential of these natural pigments for DSSC applications. This study adds to the investigation of green energy options, notably rooftop photovoltaic systems, in response to an increasing desire for ecologically sound energy solutions.

Novel combination of natural dyes to augment the overall efficiency of DSSC

Novel combination of natural dyes to augment the overall efficiency of DSSC

The role of graphene oxide reduction in increasing the efficiency of DSSC

The role of graphene oxide reduction in increasing the efficiency of DSSC

Enhanced DSSC efficiency through integration of red-emitting MgAl2O4: Eu3+ phosphor within TiO2 layer

The main objective of this paper was to enhance the absorption and charge carrier generation rates of DSSC. The functional property of the Eu3+ ion (red light) when infused with the MgAl2O4 host was combined with TiO2 nanoparticles and the results obtained through various studies are elaborated. The host and the nanoparticles were prepared through solid-state and sol-gel routes, respectively, with their crystalline structure and surface morphology identified by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope. The optical characteristics of the sample were studied through photoluminescence (PL) excitation (394 nm) and PL emission spectral analysis. The MgAl2O4: Eu3+ phosphor utilized in DSSC for the light down-conversion process converts high-energy incident light into low-radiation light, which further excites the N719 dye to emit charge carriers, thus increasing the conversion efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cells. The overall conversion efficiency was observed a 4.80 % when 0.9 MW % Eu3+: MgAl2O4 was added to the TiO2 nanoparticle with an enhanced DSSC performance.

ZnO/Ti3C2T x composite photoanodes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have gained significant attention as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their simple fabrication methods and low cost. To improve the competitiveness of DSSC against other photovoltaic devices, enhancing the efficiency is crucial. In this study, we explore the incorporation of Ti3C2T x , a two-dimensional (2D) material known for its excellent conductivity, into the fabrication of composite photoanode films for DSSC. We prepared ZnO/Ti3C2T x composite films with different concentration of 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4 wt%. The optimal photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.65% was achieved at a Ti3C2T x concentration of 0.2 wt%, representing a 41.4% improvement compared with 4.70% conversion efficiency of pure ZnO films. The introduction of Ti3C2T x facilitated electron transport and increased electron transfer pathways, which enhanced photoelectric performance. These findings highlight the potential of Ti3C2T x based composite photoanode for advancing the efficiency of DSSC.

DSSC Fundamentals and Optimization Materials :A Review

Recently, researchers are focusing on renewable energy sources such as wind energy, Hydro-thermal energy, and solar energy. In this research article DSSC fundamentals and optimized materials are discussed and compared. The maximum efficiency reported by the researcher is 12% using Ru (II) dyes. The efficiency of DSSC depends on the various factors such as working electrode material, counter electrode material, dye used in preparation of solar cell are discussed. The simplest technique used for fabrication of DSSC solar cell is doctor blade method also discussed in this review article.

Research perspectives on the structure-property relationship of polyaromatic pyrene-based chalcone derivatives as dye-sensitizers in DSSC applications

Photovoltaic studies in DSSC have continued to be fascinated by chalcone derivatives because of their straightforward synthesis, green synthetic process and low toxicity properties using Claisen-Schmidt condensation method. In this report, the implementation of the newly synthesized pyrenyl chalcone derivatives, Py1 and Py2 as dye-sensitizers and the characterization studies are further discussed. The grown crystals are characterized via several spectroscopic analyses such as ATR, 1H and 13C NMR and UV–vis analyses. The UV–vis analysis shows a lower energy gap in Py1 (2.79 eV) in comparison to Py2 (2.90 eV) which further indicates better flow of charge transfer. The analysis of crystal packing reveals the arrangement of head-to-head by intermolecular π—π contacts and head-to-tail via intermolecular C–H···O interactions in Py1 and Py2, respectively. The intermolecular interactions act to stabilize the crystal structure and further improve the charge transfer within the dyes and enhancement of DSSC efficiency. In electrochemical analysis using cyclic voltammetry (CV), Py1 and Py2 are found in the suitable HOMO and LUMO energy levels which confirms their applicability as photosensitizer materials. After the fabrication process, DSSC layers are continued for FESEM and EDX analyses before proceeding for the performance study. The Py1 with D-π-A architecture has significantly revealed a higher efficiency than D-π-D structure of Py2.

Studies in the influence of D–π–A pyrenyl chalcone containing methoxy substitution as dye-sensitizer in DSSC

A pyrene based chalcone (PyMe) has been prepared by Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction. The proposed structure was proceeded for characterization analysis of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic (FTIR) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) studies. The analysis of cyclic voltammetry (CV) performed has determined the appropriated position of HOMO and LUMO energy level for electron injection and dye regeneration in DSSC. The Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) study has confirmed the existence of PyMe based on the distribution and composition of the elements on the TiO2 layer, respectively. The Donor–π–Acceptor (D–π–A) structural chromophores with methoxy (-OCH3) attachment in PyMe has also contribute to the power conversion efficiency of DSSC.

A novel f-MWCNT-based nanocomposite for enhancement of photoconversion efficiency of DSSC

A novel f-MWCNT-based nanocomposite for enhancement of photoconversion efficiency of DSSC

Revealing the relaxation kinetics of curcumin based dye-sensitized solar cell

DSSCs have garnered significant attention as a promising technology for renewable energy generation. The carrier kinetics, or the dynamics of charge carriers, play a vital role in the efficiency of DSSC. However, numerous of its optoelectronics characteristics at low frequencies are highly contested. Here, we thoroughly investigated the carrier dynamics of curcumin-based sensitized cell using impedance spectroscopy and modulus spectroscopy under illumination and dark condition. It is revealed that the dielectric relaxation in curcumin-based DSSC follows the interfacial (Maxwell-Wagner type) polarization probably ascribed to the grain boundary effect. Moreover, the comparative evaluation of impedance and modulus spectra at lower frequencies demonstrates the localized type of charge-carrier relaxation in this curcumin-based sensitized cell, which has been related with the conductivity hopping phenomena. These results illustrate the potential of curcumin as a promising new sensitizer for DSSCs and highlight the importance of continued research into new and innovative materials for sustainable energy technology.

Doping of magnesium and aluminum ions on tio2 as photoanode using the doctor blade method to increase dssc efficiency

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most commonly used photoanode material for working electrodes in DSSC. TiO2 was chosen because of its stable performance. The electron transport process in the pores of TiO2 nanoparticles occurs randomly. Thus, it will cause a charge recombination process, decreasing the device’s performance. TiO2 needs to be modified by the addition of doping. The dopings used in this study are magnesium and aluminum ions with varying concentrations of 4%, 5%, and 6% using the doctor blade method. The characterizations carried out include absorbance and bandgap with UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Morphology with SEM, and efficiency of DSSC with I-V Keithley Meter. The results of UV-Vis characterization obtained the highest absorbance peak when Al and Mg-doped in the wavelength range (250-600) nm. The band gap energy value is at 5% concentration of Mg doping in 1.9 eV and 5% doping of Al concentration in 2.4 eV. The results of the SEM test showed that morphological results obtained greater agglomeration along with the addition of doping. Efficiency results were obtained when doping Al concentrations of 4%, 5%, 6% respectively are 0.205%, 0.415%, 0.275% and when doping of Mg concentrations are 4%, 5%, 6% respectively 0.03%, 0 0.06%, 0.018%.

Development of BiOBr/TiO2 nanotubes electrode for conversion of nitrogen to ammonia in a tandem photoelectrochemical cell under visible light

Ammonia (NH3) is one of the important chemicals for human life. The demand for ammonia is expected to increase every year. Conventionally, the fixation process of N2 to produce NH3 in the industrial sector is carried out through the Haber−Bosch process, which requires extreme temperature and pressure conditions that consume a high amount of energy and emit a considerable amount of CO2. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative technology to produce ammonia using environmentally friendly methods. Many studies have developed the photo-electrochemical conversion of nitrogen to ammonia in the presence of semiconductor materials, but the resulting efficiency is still not as expected. In this research, the development of the tandem system of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell - Photoelectrochemistry (DSSC - PEC) was carried out for the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia. The DSSC cell was prepared using N719/TiO2 nanotubes as photoanode, Pt/FTO as cathode, and electrolyte I-/I3-. The DSSC efficiency produced in this research was 1.49%. PEC cell at the cathode and anode were prepared using BiOBr/TiO2 nanotubes synthesized by the SILAR (Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction) method. The resulting ammonia levels were analyzed using the phenate method. In this study, ammonia levels were obtained at 0.1272 µmol for 6 hours of irradiation with an SCC (Solar to Chemical Conversion) percentage of 0.0021%.

Effect of carbon dot on photovoltaic performance of n-TiO2/p-NiO and n-TiO2/p-CuO heterojunctions in Dye-Sensitized solar cells

Carbon quantum dot (C-dot) behaves as a photosensitizer and dye-adsorber. Here, effect of C-dot was investigated on dye (N719)-photosensitized solar cells (DSSCs) consisting of n-type TiO2 and p-type metal oxide (NiO or CuO) photoanodes. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of pristine TiO2 DSSC was enhanced double with adding 10 wt% NiO. Furthermore, the doping of 10 wt% C-dot into TiO2/NiO(10 wt%) nanocomposites increased PCE up to 2.88 times. Then the 14.32% PCE was achieved, since coexistence of C-dot and N719 accelerates the faster and rich charge separation and charge transfer at TiO2/NiO heterojunction. On the other hand, PCE of DSSC consisting of n-TiO2 and p-CuO semiconductors was slightly higher than those of n-TiO2/p-NiO DSSC, but PCE of n-TiO2/p-CuO DSSC decreased after Cdot was added. The calculated energy level alignments exhibit that electrons photogenerated on Cdot and N719 successfully transfer to cathode through NiO and TiO2 in TiO2/NiO/C-dot DSSC, while electrons in a conduction band of TiO2 are recombined with holes in HOMO of C-dot with similar energy level in TiO2/CuO/C-dot nanocomposites. This investigation demonstrates that C-dot provides photo-generated charges and accelerates charge transfer, but it also raises charge recombination, depending on energy level balance with semiconductor components and influencing the performance of DSSC.

The Effect of Acetylene Carbon Black (ACB) Loaded on Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Nanofiber Membrane Electrolyte for DSSC Applications

Nanofiber membranes are starting to be used as an electrolyte storage medium because of their high porosity, which causes ionic conductivity, producing high energy. The ability of nanofiber membranes to absorb electrolytes proves their stability when used for a long time. In this study, the loading of acetylene carbon black (ACB) on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is made by the electrospun method, which in turn is applied as an electrolyte medium in DSSC. Materials characterization was carried out through FTIR to determine the functional groups formed and SEM to observe morphology and diameter distribution. Furthermore, for DSSC performance, efficiency and EIS tests were carried out. The optimum nanofiber membrane was shown by esPACB1, with the highest efficiency reaching 1.92% with a porosity of 73.43%, nanofiber diameter of 172.9 ± 2.2 nm, an absorbance of 1850, and an electron lifetime of 0.003 ms.

Spin-coating of Graphene Oxide as Counter Electrode for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells in Various Dispersing Solvents

Platinum (Pt) is the most commonly used counter electrode material for DSSCs. However, as Pt is a noble metal and expensive, researchers have tried to replace the Pt counter electrode with a variety of materials. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) powders were added to solvents of different polarities as precursor solutions for the counter electrode. The solvents were deionized water, dimethylformamide, isopropanol, and chlorobenzene in descending order of polarity. The prepared GO precursor solutions were coated on the Florine doped Tin Oxide (FTO) glass substrate via spin coating, then coated substrate subjected to thermal reduction reaction to obtain reduced graphene oxide, which was used as the counter electrode of the DSSC. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSC using deionized water as the dispersing solvent was 2.70%, which was five times higher than that of DSSC using chlorobenzene.

Influence of growth acidic solution and etching time on rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays synthesized by hydrothermal method in dye-sensitized solar cells

Titanium butoxide (Ti(OBu)4) precursor was used to prepare titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods as a photoanode by hydrothermal method directly on FTO glass with different hydrochloric acid (HCl) – water (H2O) ratio (12.5-7.5, 10-10, 7.5-12.5 and 5-15) ml and etching times (24, 48, and 72)h. The (XRD) results show good crystallinity of TiO2 with rutile phase and preferred orientations (101) and (002) for all samples. The grain size of the TiO2 nanorods increases with decrease the HCl concentration. The (FESEM) images show that an increase in HCl concentration leads to an increase in the rod diameter of the TiO2 NRs and a decrease in their length. The optimum efficiency (η) of DSSC based on TiO2 NRs was 3.255% at sample ET, where the preparation condition (7.5 ml HCl + 12.5 H2O) with a 48 h etching time.