Dye Desorption Research Articles

Mechanism and kinetics of dye desorption from dye-loaded carbon (XC-72) with alcohol-water system as desorbent.

In this paper, alcohol (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol)-water system was used as solution for the desorption of Acid Orange 7 (AO7), Ponceau 2R and Rhodamine B (RhB) from dye-loaded carbon (XC-72). Excellent degradation efficiency was obtained (desorption efficiency reaches 77.35%, 85.60%, 96.86% for Ponceau 2R, AO7 and Rhodamine B, respectively) and it was significantly influenced by alcohol content and the length of carbon chain in alcohol (hydrophobicity). In addition, desorption kinetics was fitted by a second-order desorption model, and the desorbed quantity at equilibrium (qe) and rate constant (kd) were calculated, respectively.

Desorption of Reactive Red 198 from activated carbon prepared from walnut shells: effects of temperature, sodium carbonate concentration and organic solvent dose

This study investigated the effect of temperature, different concentrations of sodium carbonate,and the dose of organic solvent on the desorption of Reactive Red 198 dye from dye-saturated activated carbon using batch and continuous systems. The results of the batch desorption test showed 60% acetone in water as the optimum amount. However, when the concentration of sodium carbonate was raised, the dye desorption percentage increased from 26% to 42% due to economic considerations; 15 mg/L of sodium carbonate was selected to continue the processof desorption. Increasing the desorption temperature can improve the dye desorption efficiency.According to the column test results, dye desorption concentration decreased gradually with the passing of time. The column test results showed that desorption efficiency and the percentage of dye adsorbed decreased; however, it seemed to stabilize after three repeated adsorption/desorption cycles. The repeated adsorption–desorption column tests (3 cycles) showed that the activated carbon which was prepared from walnut shell was a suitable and economical adsorbent for dye removal.

Single Molecule Catch and Release: Potential-Dependent Plasmid DNA Adsorption along Chemically Graded Electrode Surfaces.

Single molecule detection methods were employed to study the potential dependent adsorption and desorption of dye labeled plasmid DNA along chemical gradients prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. Gradients were formed over silica-base-layer-coated ITO surfaces by exposing them in a directional fashion to aminopropyltrimethoxysilane from the vapor phase. Sessile drop water contact angle measurements, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to verify that a gradient was formed and to characterize its wettability, thickness, and composition as a function of position. The gradient-coated ITO electrode served as both the working electrode and a window into the electrochemical cell used to manipulate DNA adsorption. For single molecule studies, the electrochemical cell was filled with buffer solution containing YOYO-1-labeled plasmid DNA. Fluorescence videos acquired along the gradients depicted clear position-, potential-, and pH-dependent variations in DNA adsorption and desorption. The results demonstrate that DNA adsorption was largely independent of applied potential and irreversible at high amine coverage (i.e., multilayers), under pH ∼ 6 buffer. DNA adsorption became more reversible as the amine coverage decreased and the solution pH increased. Potential dependent control over DNA adsorption and desorption was best achieved at monolayer-to-submonolayer aminosilane coverage under pH ∼ 8 buffer. The knowledge gained in these studies will aid in the development of electrochemical methods for the capture and release of DNA and other polyelectrolytes at electrode surfaces.

Desorption of Methylene blue dye from brown macroalga: Effects of operating parameters, isotherm study and kinetic modeling

In this study, desorption of Methylene blue (MB) dye from brown macroalga, Nizamuddinia zanardinii was investigated. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the effects of various operating parameters namely, the effect of seventeen different eluents, eluents concentrations, dye saturated alga weight, different HCl:1-butanol ratios, different particle sizes, different alga mass washing modes (after sorption experiment), initial dye concentration in the sorption experiment and contact time on the desorption efficiency of MB dye from brown macroalga. Among the seventeen eluents tested, hydrochloric acid (HCl) was found to be the most effective eluent for dye desorption. The mixture of 1 M HCl (25%):1 M 1-butanol (75%) was found to increase the dye desorption efficiency up to 63.67 ± 1.67%. Dye desorption percentage increased by increasing the alga particle sizes from <75 μm to >250 μm. The highest and lowest desorption efficiencies were attained by wet and dry masses after water washing by shaker, respectively. Both isotherm and kinetic data were obtained and fitted very well with the Sips isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. After five sorption/desorption cycles, the dye sorption efficiency decreased from 96.99 ± 0.90% to 48.16 ± 1.98%, and the dye desorption efficiency decreased from 68.70 ± 2.03% to 46.83 ± 1.49%. Overall, this study has demonstrated that brown macroalga is a promising sorbent for the removal of MB dye from aqueous solutions.

A comparative study of the amaranth azo dye adsorption/desorption from aqueous solutions by layered double hydroxides

Magnesium aluminum layered double hydroxides (LDH) were synthesized by the co-precipitation method with nitrate and carbonate as interlayer anion (MgAlNO3 and MgAlCO3) followed by the calcination of a carbonate containing LDH sample to obtain the mixed oxide MgAl500. The resulting materials were characterized by several physicochemical techniques. Calcined and uncalcined LDHs were used as adsorbents to remove the amaranth azo dye in an aqueous solution. Adsorption results indicated that MgAl500 had a greater adsorption capacity (1.6mmol·g−1) than non-calcined LDHs (0.8 and 0.2mmol·g−1for MgAlNO3 and MgAlCO3, respectively). Isotherms showed that the adsorption of the dye was consistent with the Langmuir model. The kinetic experiments of dye adsorption showed that the system reached the adsorption equilibrium in 3h for the three adsorbents. The kinetic data fitted well with the pseudo-second order model. Powder X ray diffraction patterns of the adsorption products suggest that adsorbed amaranth anion was intercalated in the MgAlNO3 interlayers by anion exchange and in the MgAl500 by the rehydration and reconstruction process, according to the value of the basal space d003=17.7Å. Whereas in the case of MgAlCO3, .it was probably adsorbed on the external particle surface. The influence of common inorganic anions present in the solution was also studied and a decrease in the dye removal was observed in the following order HPO42−>CO32–>SO42−>Cl-. The dye desorption was tested with carbonate and phosphate solution and it was partial in all cases. The recyclability of the used adsorbents was performed by calcinations, and the percentage of removal decreases after the first cycle for MgAlNO3 and MgAl500. Dye removal improved after the first cycle then decreased after the second cycle for MgAlCO3.

An interesting environmental friendly cleanup: The excellent potential of olive pomace for disperse blue adsorption/desorption from wastewater

The removal of Disperse Blue 73 from aqueous solutions, using olive pomace as adsorbent material, was investigated in a batch system with respect to contact time, pomace dosage, pH and temperature. SEM, FTIR-ATR, TG and XPS analyses appeared as powerful tools to characterize olive pomace, before and after the adsorption of dye, while UV–Visible analyses were used to quantify the amount of loaded dye on adsorbent material. The pseudo-second order kinetic model well fitted the experimental data and described the kinetic adsorption process. The dye desorption in glacial acetic acid was also obtained with the dye recovery enabling the recycle both of adsorbent material and dye itself. Five consecutive cycles of adsorption and desorption were performed and the absence of any degradation process affecting the dye after the adsorption/desorption cycles was observed. The recorded absorption spectrum, in acetic acid solution, before and after the desorption, confirmed such result. An environmentally friendly and a low cost material is thus presented, showing the excellent olive pomace potential both in disperse blue adsorption (with an efficiency of 100%) and desorption (with a mean value of 80% for each cycle). Additionally, an alternative environmental friendly use of olive oil solid residues is presented.

Calotropis procera an effective adsorbent for removal of Congo red dye: isotherm and kinetics modelling

From environmental point of view, the removal of effluents from aquatic systems caused by presence of synthetic dyes is extremely important. Oven dried leaf powder solid waste of low-cost bioadsorbent Calotropis procera, has been tested for the removal of azo dye, Congo red (CR) from aqueous solution. Adsorption of CR onto this natural adsorbent has been characterized with X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transformer infrared. The effects of different parameter such as; contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent amount, pH, temperature, electrolyte, surfactant concentration and desorption have been studied. The adsorption has been represented with Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of CR onto bioadsorbent has been found to be 25.77 mg g− 1. The adsorption process has been followed the Weber–Morris Intra-particle diffusion model with the involvement of pseudo second order and Elovich models. The calculated values of thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH and ΔS for uptake of CR have been found to be 35.26 kJ mol− 1 and 120.11 J mol− 1K− 1 respectively. Negative values of ΔG indicate the spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. The results indicate that C. procera has high potential application towards removal of CR dye due to its high adsorption capacity.

Chitosan/coffee residue composite beads for removal of reactive dye

The adsorption performance of chitosan beads was investigated after coffee residue blending for the removal of Reactive Red 152 as an anionic dye. The study of the dye removal of chitosan/coffee residue composite beads as a function of coffee residue concentration indicated that mass ratio of chitosan to coffee residue of 60/40 was the most useful for enhancing the dye removal. The effects of contact time, initial pH, and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption efficiency were investigated systematically. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm of chitosan/coffee residue composite beads exhibited better fit to the Langmuir isotherm model than to the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of composite bead was 4.27 mg/g. The dye desorption of composite bead was 24.83%. SEM images confirm that after adsorption the dye were dispersed onto the composite bead surface. This study demonstrated that the chitosan/coffee residue composite can effectively remove reactive dye from aqueous solution and simply with low cost.

Heterotrimetallic coordination polymers for dye adsorption and desorption

Three new heterotrimetallic Mo–Na–M [M=K (1), Rb (2), Cs (3)] complexes of a molybdenum metalloligand have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The potassium, rubidium and cesium complexes, [K(H2O)(MeOH)(Mo2O5L2)Na]n (1), {[Na(H2O)2(MeOH)(Mo2O5L2)Rb(H2O)]n·H2O·MeOH} (2) and [Na(H2O)(MeOH)2(Mo2O5L2)Cs(MeOH)]n·H2O·(3) {LH2=2-(3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzylamino)acetic acid} form polymeric chains. All the complexes exhibit dye adsorption and desorption by a cation exchange pathway.

Performance of an acidic extractant (D2EHPA) incorporated in IM used for extraction and separation of Methylene Blue and Rhodamin B

Laboratory-scale experiments were carried out to investigate the adsorption equilibrium, the adsorption kinetics and facilitated transport of two cationic dyes (Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RB)) on Polymer Inclusion Membrane (D2EHPA-PIM). Different adsorption isotherms (Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin models) as well as kinetics models indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic. Under the optimal conditions, the adsorption removal efficiencies reach about 93% and 97% for MB and RB respectively. Different extraction values by D2EHPA-PIM were obtained for the two cationic dyes: MB is weakly extracted at pH 2.0 (E% = 18.7%) whilst E% = 82.4% was observed for RB at the same pH. This difference was exploited in a mixture containg both the 2 cationic dyes for the selective extraction of RB at pH 2. Desorption of both dyes was achieved from the membrane by using acidic aqueous solutions and desorption ratio up to 90% was obtained. The formulas of the extracted complexes by the PIMs were, determined by the method of slopes. The dyes transport was elucidated using mass transfer analysis where in it found relatively high values of the initial flux (J0) as 41.57 and 18.74

Rice husk templated water treatment sludge as low cost dye and metal adsorbent

The preparation of adsorbents at low cost as alternatives to the expensive ones in the treatment processes of water and wastewater is the interest of the researchers worldwide. Here, a novel cheap mesoporous adsorbent was prepared via the recycling of wastes namely water treatment sludge and rice husk (RH) as textural modifier. Surface area and pore dimensions were optimized against RH ratio. The mesoporous sludge was employed in adsorption of rosaniline dye, Pb2+, Ni2+ and chlorine from aqueous solutions under dynamic experimental conditions. It was found that the initial dye concentration and textural structure of the adsorbent played important roles in adsorption capacity. The reusability test shows the ease desorption of dye with slightly alkaline water (pH=8) indicating the stability and reusability of the ceramic adsorbent for several times. For metallic cations, the characteristics (ionic radius and ΔHhyd) of ions affect the adsorption affinity. Chlorine adsorption is controlled by the cation exchange capacity(CEC).

Synthesis of malachite@clay nanocomposite for rapid scavenging of cationic and anionic dyes from synthetic wastewater

Synthesis of malachite@clay nanocomposite was successfully carried out for the removal of cationic (Methylene Blue, MB) and anionic dyes (Congo Red, CR) from synthetic wastewater. Nanocomposite was characterized by TEM, SEM, FT-IR, EDS analysis and zeta potential. TEM analysis indicated that the particle diameter of nanocomposite was in the range of 14 to 23nm. Various important parameters viz. contact time, concentration of dyes, nanocomposite dosage, temperature and solution pH were optimized to achieve maximum adsorption capacity. In the case of MB, removal decreased from 99.82% to 93.67% while for CR, removal decreased from 88.55% to 75.69% on increasing dye concentration from 100 to 450mg/L. pH study confirmed the higher removal of CR in acidic range while MB removal was higher in alkaline range. Kinetic study revealed the applicability of pseudo-second-order model for the adsorption of both dyes. Negative values of ΔG0 for both systems suggested the feasibility of dye removal and support for spontaneous adsorption of CR and MB on nanocomposite. Nanocomposite showed 277.77 and 238.09mg/g Langmuir adsorption capacity for MB and CR respectively. Desorption of dyes from the dye loaded nanocomposite was easily carried out with acetone. The results indicate that the prepared malachite@clay nanocomposite is an efficient adsorbent with high adsorption capacity for the aforementioned dyes.

Effects of TiO2 and TiC Nanofillers on the Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Based on the Polymer Gel Electrolyte of a Cobalt Redox System.

Polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) of cobalt redox system are prepared for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) is used as a gelator of an acetonitrile (ACN) liquid electrolyte containing tris(2,2'-bipyridine)cobalt(II/III) redox couple. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles are utilized as nanofillers (NFs) of this PGE, and the effects of the two NFs on the conductivity of the PGEs, charge-transfer resistances at the electrode/PGE interface, and the performance of the gel-state DSSCs are studied and compared. The results show that the presence of TiC NFs significantly increases the conductivity of the PGE and decreases the charge-transfer resistance at the Pt counter-electrode (CE)/PGE interface. Therefore, the gel-state DSSC utilizing TiC NFs can achieve a conversion efficiency (6.29%) comparable to its liquid counterpart (6.30%), and, furthermore, the cell efficiency can retain 94% of its initial value after a 1000 h stability test at 50 °C. On the contrary, introduction of TiO2 NFs in the PGE causes a decrease of cell performances. It shows that the presence of TiO2 NFs increases the charge-transfer resistance at the Pt CE/PGE interface, induces the charge recombination at the photoanode/PGE interface, and, furthermore, causes a dye desorption in a long-term-stability test. These results are different from those reported for the iodide redox system and are ascribed to a specific attractive interaction between TiO2 and cobalt redox ions.

High-Efficiency Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Molecular Copper Phenanthroline As Solid Hole Conductor

Until recently, there have been no viable alternatives for Spiro-OMeTAD as a hole-transport material (HTM) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC).1 In this study we show that copper phenanthroline complexes in the solid phase can act as efficient molecular hole conductors in DSSCs. Normally, DSSCs utilize a liquid redox electrolyte, but there are significant advantages in replacing it by a solid state hole transport material (HTM): The use of an HTM prevents dye desorption, electrolyte leakage and evaporation problems, as well as making series connection between cells much easier.2 The photovoltaic performance of solid state-DSSCs is, however, usually much lower than its liquid counterparts.3 Here we present a new HTM alternative: bis(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I/II) (Cu(dmp)2). This copper complex has a straightforward synthetic route from low cost starting materials. We prepared solid-state DSSCs with the organic dye LEG44 and Cu(dmp)2 as HTM with a power conversion efficiency of 8.2% under 1000 W m-2AM1.5G illumination, having an open-circuit potential higher than 1.0 V. The successful application of a copper complex-based HTM paves the way for low-cost and efficient hybrid solar cells, as well as other optoelectronic devices. This type of material is anticipated to have large impact on current DSC and MSC research. (1) Bach, U.; Lupo, D.; Comte, P.; Moser, J. E.; Weissortel, F.; Salbeck, J.; Spreitzer, H.; Gratzel, M. Nature 1998, 395, 583. (2) Hagfeldt, A.; Boschloo, G.; Sun, L.; Kloo, L.; Pettersson, H. Chem. Rev. 2010, 110, 6595. (3) Bai, Y.; Yu, Q.; Cai, N.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, M.; Wang, P. Chem. Commun. 2011, 47, 4376. (4) Yang, L.; Xu, B.; Bi, D.; Tian, H.; Boschloo, G.; Sun, L.; Hagfeldt, A.; Johansson, E. M. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 7378. Figure 1

Protein interactions with layers of TiO2 nanotube and nanopore arrays: Morphology and surface charge influence.

Surface nanostructuring of titanium biomedical devices with TiO2 nanotubes was shown to significantly influence the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (and other cells too). A high level of control over the nanoscale topography and over the surface area of such 1D nanostructures enables a direct influence on protein adhesion. Herein, we investigate and show how the nanostructure morphology (nanotube diameter and length) influences the interactions with small-sized charged proteins, using as model proteins bovine serum albumin (negatively charged) and histone (positively charged). We show that the protein charge strongly influences their adhesion to the TiO2 nanostructures. Protein adhesion is quantified by ELISA measurements and determination of the nanostructures' total surface area. We use a quantitative surface charge model to describe charge interactions and obtain an increased magnitude of the surface charge density at the top edges of the nanotubes. In addition, we track the proteins presence on and inside the nanostructures. We believe that these aspects are crucial for applications where the incorporation of active molecules such as proteins, drugs, growth factors, etc., into nanotubes is desired.

Anion Exchange Resins of Tri-n-butyl Ammonium Functional Groups for Dye Baths and Textile Wastewater Treatment

ABSTRACTEffectiveness of two strongly basic anion exchange resins of the gel (Dowex PSR-2) and macroporous structure (Dowex PSR-3) was compared in order to remove three hazardous dyes such as C.I. Acid Orange 7 (AO7), C.I. Reactive Black 5 (RB5), and C.I. Direct Blue 71 (DB71) contained in water and textile wastewaters. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to analyze the effect of phase contact time, initial dye concentration, and the presence of auxiliary materials (anionic and cationic surfactants, Na2CO3, and Na2SO4). The Langmuir model better described the adsorption process of the dyes onto both resins than the Freundlich model. The monolayer adsorption capacities (qe) of Dowex PSR-3 were calculated as 336.4 mg/g for AO7, 317.9 mg/g for RB5, and 150.4 mg/g for DB71 at 25°C. Dowex PSR-2 of the gel structure is characterized by considerably lower values of qe (50.1 mg/g for AO7, 17.2 mg/g for RB5, and 9.7 mg/g for DB71). Of special importance are high values of the working ion exchange capacities of Dowex PSR-3 determined from the breakthrough curves towards AO7 and RB5 equal to 127 and 85 mg/cm3, respectively. The pseudo second-order kinetic model described the experimental sorption data better than the pseudo first-order model. Methanol addition to the 1 M HCl and 1 M NaOH solutions improved the effectiveness of dye desorption.

Photoanode/Electrolyte Interface Stability in Aqueous Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

AbstractO'Regan and Grätzel conceived a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC), which operates as an artificial photosynthetic system converting solar light into electricity. Nevertheless, it is only recently that the scientific community is focusing on truly aqueous DSSCs that use water as electrolyte, thus avoiding any flammable and toxic organic solvents. The most critical aspect of these devices is the photoanode/electrolyte interface. Indeed, it is necessary to select dyes that chemisorb onto the semiconductor layer while allowing the aqueous electrolyte to thoroughly impregnate the mesostructure of the electrode; at the same time, it is necessary to avoid the anchoring unit of the dye to be hydrolyzed by water, thus causing the detachment of the sensitizer from the active material particles. This requires a thorough analysis of the structure–property relationships, in particular the evaluation of the chemical formula, stability, and performances of the dyes on the electrode surface in truly aqueous environment. Herein, we investigate nine different sensitizers, selected based on their different properties in terms of light absorption, chemical structure, and hydrophobic/hydrophilic nature. Wettability, resistance to dye desorption, and spectral variations of sensitized photoanodes, along with the photovoltaic performance of the resulting devices, are systematically investigated to identify some useful guidelines to choose and design suitable dyes of different colors for truly aqueous DSSCs.

Synthesis and Characterization of Diethylphosphonate and Carboxylate-appended Iridium Complexes for the Application on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In this work, cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes were synthesized, presenting a general formula [Ir(ppy)2(N N)]PF6, where ppy=2-phenylpyridine or 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine and N N=4,4′-bis(diethylphosphonate)-2,2′-bipyridine or 4,4′-bis(carboxy)-2,2′-bipyridine. The complexes were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR 31P-NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The assembled Dye Sensitized Solar Cells were characterized by current versus potential curves and by photon-to-current conversion efficiency measurements. The complexes present intense absorption bands in the UV region (250–350 nm), which are assigned to symmetry allowed singlet 1LC ππ* transitions involving both phenylpyridyl and bipyridyl ligands. At longer wavelengths (350-450 nm) the weaker absorption bands are related to transitions with mixed metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-ligand charge transfer character. Dye desorption measurements revealed that the phosphonate group provide a more stable anchoring than the carboxylate. The most efficient devices were obtained by using iridium complexes with carboxylate anchoring groups.

Adsorption and heat‐energy‐aid desorption of cationic dye on a new thermo‐sensitive adsorbent: Methyl cellulose/calcium alginate beads

The adsorption and heat‐energy‐aid desorption of methylene blue (MB) on a thermo‐sensitive adsorbent of methyl cellulose/calcium alginate beads (MC/CABs) has been studied. The addition of methyl cellulose intensified the desorption ability of adsorbent, and boosted the difference of adsorption capacity of adsorbent between low temperature and high temperature. At the mass ratio of methyl cellulose to sodium alginate of 2:1, the difference of adsorption capacity of MC/CABs between 20 and 60°C reached 20.48 mg g−1. The effects of temperature, time and initial MB concentration on adsorption performance were investigated in detail. The MB adsorption on MC/CABs followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The equilibrium data was fitted well with Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of 336.70 mg g−1 exhibited MC/CABs had a good adsorption capability. Thermodynamic analyses showed high temperature was not favorable to MB adsorption, and MC/CABs had a distinct superiority in desorption of adsorbate with heat‐energy‐aid. Lastly, the possible mechanisms involving in adsorption and heat‐energy‐aid desorption were presented. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:1382–1389, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Effects of Ethyl Cellulose on Performance of Titania Photoanode for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

Ethyl cellulose (EC) was added to a titania (TiO2) paste from 2 wt.% to 18 wt.% as a binder/dispersant, and its effects on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were investigated. The TiO2 mesoporous film constructed on the photoanode exhibited a dense and network structure composed of well-interconnected TiO2 nanoparticles when using a proper amount of EC (10 wt.%). Excessive and deficient addition of EC resulted in aggregation of TiO2 nanoparticles and formation of pores, respectively, in the TiO2 film. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSC showed a strong dependence on the EC content and the highest PCE of 7.53% with the highest short-circuit current density (J SC) of 12.7 mA/cm2 was achieved when the content of EC was 10 wt.%. The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) results indicated that the TiO2 mesoporous film fabricated using a proper EC addition was beneficial for electron generation (also confirmed by dye desorption experiments) and electron transport, and, therefore, improved the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs.