Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Optimizing DSSCs Performance for Indoor Lighting: Matching Organic Dyes Absorption and Indoor Lamps Emission Profiles to Maximize Efficiency.

The rapid proliferation of internet-connected devices has transformed our daily habits prompting a shift towards greater sustainability in renewable energy for indoor applications. Among the various technologies available for obtaining energy in indoor conditions, Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) stand out as the most promising due to their ability to efficiently convert ambient light into usable electricity. This study explores how the optimal matching of the UV-Vis absorption spectra of dyes commonly used in DSSCs with the emission profiles of indoor lamps allows for the enhanced efficiency of DSSC under indoor lighting. By testing four organic dyes with different UV-Vis absorption spectra (L1, Y123, S1, and TP1) under two different common indoor light sources (OSRAM 930 and OSRAM 765 lamp), a significant dye-lamp correlation was demonstrated. Notably, low-priced dyes like S1 and TP1, characterized by easier synthetic routes and with an optimal overlap with the dye-lamp spectrum, exhibited competitive efficiencies, narrowing the performance gap with high-performing dyes like Y123, which require more demanding preparation approaches. The study highlights the critical importance of tailoring dye selection to specific indoor lighting environments, addressing a significant gap and paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions for indoor applications.

Direct Synthesis of Hydrogen-Substituted Graphdiyne on Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide Glass Substrates Using a Cu Sandwich Technique.

Hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne (HsGDY) is a two-dimensional material with an sp-sp2 carbon skeleton featuring a band gap and a porous structure that enhances ion diffusion. In previous reports, HsGDY growth was limited to metal substrates such as Cu, which then required transfer. Here, we developed a sandwich method that allows HsGDY to be grown directly on the target substrate. In this sandwich method, a Cu sheet is sandwiched between substrates. By optimizing the Cu sheet structure and growth time, we have succeeded in growing uniform, pinhole-free HsGDY films on FTO substrates. Raman peaks at 2217 cm-1 (-C≡C-) and 883 cm-1 (C-H bond) confirm the formation of HsGDY. Deconvoluted XPS spectra provide clear evidence of sp hybridization at 284.3 eV. Additionally, UV-visible spectra reveal that the band gap of HsGDY is 2.6 eV. This method is promising as an easy way to produce high-quality HsGDY films on arbitrary substrates. Preliminary tests demonstrated the potential application of HsGDY as a cathode material in dye-sensitized solar cells, achieving a maximum power conversion efficiency of 4.19%. These findings pave the way for the scalable, low-temperature synthesis of HsGDY films for advanced applications.

Key Materials and Fabrication Strategies for High-Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Comprehensive Comparison and Perspective

Key Materials and Fabrication Strategies for High-Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Comprehensive Comparison and Perspective

Phosphorus-nitrogen compounds. Part 77. The synthesis of novel ferrocenyl(N/O)spiro- and 2-cis-4-dichloro-ferrocenyl(N/O)ansa-cyclotetraphosphazenes with 9-ethyl-3-carbazolyl pendant arm(s): spectral, bioactivity, electrochemical and dye-sensitized solar cell fabrication studies

Herein, the reactions of octachlorocyclotetraphosphazene (OCCP, 1) with sodium-3-ferrocenylmethyl-amino)-1-propanoxide (L1) gave hexachloro-ferrocenyl-(N/O)-spiro-2 and 2-cis-4-dichloro-ferrocenyl-(N/O)-ansa-3 cyclotetraphosphazenes in THF. Spiro- (2) reacted with excess 9-ethyl-N-methyl-3-carbazolyl-1,3-diaminopropane (L2) and 9-ethyl-N-ethyl-3-carbazolyl-1,2-diaminoethane (L3) to produce 2-trans-6-dispiro ( dispiro-2a) and 2-trans-4-cis-6-trans-8-tetraspiro ( tetraspiro-2b) cyclotetraphosphazenes, respectively. The reactions of ansa-3 with excess L2 led to the formation of monospiro {2-cis-4-dichloro-ansa-2-trans-6-spiro(N/N) ( ansa-spiro-3b)} and dispiro {2-cis-4-dichloro-ansa-6-trans-8-dispiro(N/N) ( ansa-dispiro-3b)} cyclotetraphosphazenes. However, the reactions of ansa-3 with excess 9-methyl-N-ethyl-3-carbazolyl-1,2-diaminomethane (L4) afforded 2-cis-4-dichloro-ansa-6-trans-8-dispiro(N/N) ( ansa-dispiro-3a). Ansa-3 was also reacted with excess sodium 3-(9-ethyl-carbazolamino)-1-propanoxide (L5) to give 2-cis-4-dichloro-ansa-2-trans-6-spiro(N/O) ( ansa-spiro-3c) and 2-cis-4-dichloro-ansa-6-trans-8-dispiro(N/O) ( ansa-dispiro-3c) cyclotetraphosphazenes. Reactions were carried out by classical and microwave-assisted methods. These novel multi-heterocyclic inorganic/organic hybrid cyclotetraphosphazenes can offer valuable insights into developing new materials. Tetraspiro-2b and all ansa compounds have more than one stereogenic P-atom. The optical and electrochemical properties of some cyclotetraphosphazenes were investigated using UV-vis absorption and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. As a result, these phosphazenes can be suggested as ferrocene-based charge transformable structures. They can be used as new-generation and synergistic dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) materials. Additionally, antimicrobial activities of five compounds ( dispiro-2a, ansa-spiro-3b, ansa-dispiro-3b, ansa-spiro-3c and ansa-dispiro-3c) against various pathogenic bacteria and yeasts were evaluated. Their interactions with pBR322 plasmid DNA were also investigated.

Optimizing Solar Power: The Impact of N719 Dye Concentration on DSSC Efficiency with TiO2 Nanoparticles

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are photoelectrochemical, alternative energy source devices that convert light energy into electricity. In this study, DSSC with various concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM) of N719 dye have been successfully prepared using simple steps. The X-ray diffraction results of the TiO2 film showed that it is polycrystalline with an anatase phase (tetragonal system) having a crystallite size of about 20 nm. The absorbance spectrum of the TiO2 film and N719 dye at various concentrations was recorded by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. The bandgap energy of the TiO2 film calculated by Tauc’s formula was ~3.1 eV. The DSSC prepared using the N719 dye concentration of 1 mM achieved the highest conversion efficiency (η) of 0.298 %, respectively. Subsequently, the enhancement in efficiency was ~86 % compared with the conversion efficiency of DSSC prepared with an N719 dye concentration of 0.1 and 0.5 mM.

Exploring the Impact of Ionic Additives on the Structure and Energetics of Dye-Sensitized NiO Interfaces: Insights from Electrochemistry and First-Principles Calculations.

The efficient functioning of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is governed by the interplay of three essential components: the semiconductor, the dye, and the electrolyte. While the impact of the electrolyte composition on the device's performance has been extensively studied in n-type DSSCs, much less is known about p-type-based devices. Here, we investigate the effect of potential-determining ions on the energetics and stability of dye-sensitized NiO surfaces by using electrochemical, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, and ab initio electronic structure calculations. The experimental results indicate that the presence of Li+ leads to a ca. 100 mV positive shift in the potential of NiO, which is in good agreement with what is theoretically predicted (ca. 180 mV). Moreover, both experiments and calculations pinpoint that the presence of Li+ at the interface weakens the bonds between C343 and NiO, resulting in an accelerated desorption of the dye from the substrate. Computational remodeling of C343@NiO interfaces in the presence and absence of lithium salts (LiF) confirms that the interfacial energetics are very sensitive to the dynamical structure of C343@NiO and to the presence of anionic/cationic species. Indeed, although the presence of lithium at the interface has only a minor impact on the potential difference between NiO and the dye, it significantly influences the electronic coupling between the two interfacial components. This, in turn, leads to variations in the interfacial hole transfer rates.

The structure-photovoltaic property relationship of arylamine-modified ruthenium polypyridyl sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cell: probed by DFT and TD-DFT

The structure-photovoltaic property relationship of arylamine-modified ruthenium polypyridyl sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cell: probed by DFT and TD-DFT

Modification in the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by H ions implantation on TiO2 photoanode

The sol-gel approach was utilized to synthesize the pure TiO2 films. Hydrogen ions are irradiated on these synthesized films with a flow rate of 2x1013, 2x1014 and 2x1015 ionscm-2, and the beams are accelerated at 700 KeV. The XRD analysis confirmed the tetragonal structure of TiO2. The high grain size is observed at 2x1014 ions/cm2 . UVvisible spectroscopy showed that films are highly transparent to visible light and hydrogen ions produces a red shift in the absorbance peak. The low value of Eg is observed at 2x1014 ions/cm2 . The calculated value of conduction band edges gave suitable information of the behavior of free charge carriers in the solar cells. PL analysis showed that the recombination rate reduced, which will enhance the dye-sensitized solar cells' efficiency. DSSCs have been prepared with these films. The EIS results indicate the resistance in the transportation of charges across the interfaces reduces. Via current voltage J-V analysis, open circuit voltage Voc, short circuit current density Jsc and fill factor FF were improved with the H-irradiation process at 2x1014 ions/cm2 fluence rate, resulting in maximum photoconversion efficiency of 4.05%.

Increase in dye-loading amounts and photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells with the aid of electrostatic force

Increase in dye-loading amounts and photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells with the aid of electrostatic force

Chlorophyll and Magnesium Content of Papaya Leaves Extract (<em>Carica Papaya</em> L.) at Various Extraction Times

Purpose: This research is to determine the suitable extraction time required to obtain extracts with the highest contents of chlorophyll and magnesium.Research Method: Papaya leaves extracted by maceration method with acetone as a solvent, 4 groups with 6 levels of extraction time treatment. Chlorophyll contents were analyzed using the Arnon equation, magnesium contents were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and the energy gap was analyzed for the highest chlorophyll contents by touch plot method.Findings: 48 hours extraction treatment showed the highest chlorophyll and magnesium content, resulting in an average content of 13.272 mg/L for total chlorophyll, 11.380 mg/L for chlorophyll a, 1.881 mg/L for chlorophyll b and 934.771 mg/kg of magnesium content. The direct energy gap and indirect energy gap of the highest extract are respectively obtained at 2.428 eV and 2.442 eV.Originality/Value: Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that papaya leaf extraction for 48 hours produced the highest chlorophyll and magnesium contents, which can be used as a natural dye sensitizer for renewable energy Dye-Sensitized Solar cells

Upconverter loaded MoS2 counter electrode for broadband dye-sensitized solar cell applications

An interesting approach of including an upconverter in the MoS2 counter electrode can yield broadband light harvesting Pt-free DSSC assembly. Here different upconverter (UC) nanoparticles (Yb, Er incorporated NaYF4, YF3, CeO2 & Y2O3) were synthesized and loaded in MoS2 thin film by hydrothermal method. The inclusion of UCs in MoS2 films exposed without any secondary formation of upconverters and the uniform deposition of the films are confirmed through XRD and FESEM analysis respectively. The absorption spectrum (UV-Vis-NIR) confirms the increase in absorption intensity in visible and NIR regions due to the incorporation of UCs. Under 980 nm excitation, the UCs-loaded MoS2 films show emission in blue (450–490 nm), green (520–540 nm) and red (600–700 nm) regions due to the f-f inner transition occurring in the Er ions. The oxide and fluoride UCs-based DSSCs were fabricated with an FTO/TiO2/N719/Triiodide electrolyte/UC@MoS2/FTO assembly. Oxide UCs show greater electrocatalytic activity, which might be owed to the films exposed with more catalytic active sites favourable for ion transportation in the I−/I−3 electrolyte. Among them, higher photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.1% was witnessed for (Y2O3: Er, Yb) @MoS2 counter electrode-based DSSC which is due to the good conductivity (RS) of the film, the longer electron lifetime and photon harvesting enhancement by upconversion process. It is notably convinced that the UC-loaded MoS2 films can be used as an effective counter electrode for the possible realization of upconverter DSSC and used for broadband light absorption.

Exploring the impact of substituents on the photophysical properties of boron dipyrromethene dyes for enhanced photovoltaic performance

Abstract Boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes are known for their strong fluorescence and excellent photostability, making them vital for various photoelectric applications. This study explores how different substituents affect the photophysical properties of BODIPY dyes to improve their performance in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We examine six distinct BODIPY dye structures with unique electron-withdrawing (NO₂, CHO, Br) and electron-donating (OCH₃, NPh₂) substituents, along with a hydrogen-substituted variant, and report key photovoltaic parameters, including open-circuit voltage (Vₒc), short-circuit current density (Jₛc), fill factor (FF), and energy conversion efficiency (Ω). Using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT), we analyze the dyes' light-harvesting efficiency, electron injection efficiency, and overall energy conversion efficiency. Our results indicate that electron-donating groups, especially NPh₂ and OCH₃, significantly enhance Voc, Jsc, FF, and Ω, leading to improved energy conversion efficiencies. In contrast, while electron-withdrawing substituents increase chemical stability, they typically result in lower photovoltaic performance. This research underscores the importance of strategic substituent selection in optimizing BODIPY dyes for enhanced photoelectric performance, offering valuable insights for designing efficient photovoltaic materials.

Optimizing Electronic and Photovoltaic Properties of D-π-A Organic Dyes for DSSCs Using Density Functional Theory.

This research utilizes density functional theory to investigate the ground and excited-state properties of a new series of organic dyes with D-π-A configurations (D1-D6) for their potential application in dye-sensitized solar cells. The study focuses on modifying these dyes using various functional groups as π-bridges to optimize their electronic properties and improve their efficiency as sensitizers in DSSCs. The frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) were analysed to evaluate electron transfer properties. The energy gaps, ranging from 2.449 to 2.6979eV, indicate favourable electron injection capabilities. Further analysis included molecular electrostatic potential, electron localization function, and localized orbital locator for all dyes. The maximum absorption wavelengths were found to range from 272.98nm to 624.76nm, covering both the UV and visible spectra. A significant redshift was observed with the addition of electron-withdrawing groups to the D-π-A structures, contributing to enhanced light-harvesting capabilities. The results indicate that all dyes exhibit improved open-circuit photovoltage, enhanced light-harvesting efficiency, and higher electron injection when compared to the reference dye (Dye1). Additionally, parameters such as oxidation potential, free energy change, redox potentials, electron transfer, and dye regeneration showed promising values, pointing to excellent photovoltaic efficiency. Electron injection from the dyes into the conduction band of TiO2, followed by efficient dye regeneration, was confirmed. The choice of the π-bridge group, in particular, plays a crucial role in optimizing dye performance. Based on the theoretical findings, all of the studied dyes demonstrate strong potential as effective photosensitizers for DSSCs applications.

Computational investigation of charge transfer mechanisms in dye-sensitized solar cells: unraveling the influence of anchoring groups in 2-styryl-5-phenylazo-pyrrole designed dyes

The proposed dyes demonstrated characteristics conducive to achieving high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Novel azo dyes diverse anchoring groups, including carboxylic acid, carboxylic diacid, biscarbodithiolic acid, phosphonic acid, and sulfonic acid, were examined to assess their impact on electronic and optical properties within DSSCs. A computational investigation was conducted to design and evaluate charge transfer mechanisms using azo-pyrrole-based dyes for DSSCs performed with the Gaussians 09 and employing TD-DFT techniques with functions like B3LYP and a 6-31G (d, p) basis set to analyze ground and excited state characteristics. Enhanced charge transfer was observed due to improved molecular properties within DSSCs. The analysis encompassed electronic and optical properties, UV-Vis absorption spectra, light harvesting efficiency, and hardness to elucidate the effects of various anchoring groups. Carboxylic acid-based dyes exhibited broad absorption spectra, the longest maximum wavelength, and the highest light harvesting efficiency, indicating proficient electron injection capabilities.

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Modified TiO2 Scattering Layer Produced by Hydrothermal Method.

This work proposes dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with various photoanode designs. A hydrothermal method is used to synthesize hydrangea-shaped TiO2 (H-TiO2) aggregates. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of H-TiO2 reveals only an anatase phase. No peaks of any other phases are detected, indicating that the hydrangea-shaped TiO2 is phase-pure. The size of the synthesized H-TiO2 is approximately 300 nm to 2 μm, and its particle size is suitable for use in the scattering layer of a DSSC. Mixing the P25 TiO2 into the H-TiO2 aggregate with the best mixing ratio can significantly improve the conversion efficiency of DSSCs. When the ratio of H-TiO2:P25 TiO2 = 3:7, the scattering layer has the optimal parameters, as determined experimentally. The optimal structure is a double layer that is formed of five layers of P25 TiO2 plus a single scattering layer. An open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.77 V, short-circuit current (Jsc) of 15.26 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) of 0.71, conversion efficiency (η) of 8.33%, and charge-collection efficiency (ηcc) of 0.96 are obtained from the optimally designed photoelectrode. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this work is the first in which large particles of hydrangea are mixed with small particles of P25 TiO2 in various proportions to form a scattering layer.

Co-sensitization of red and blue for dye-sensitized solar cells: A sequential approach

Co-sensitization of red and blue for dye-sensitized solar cells: A sequential approach

Review on TiO2 nanotubes in dye-sensitized solar cells: electrochemical anodization and hydrothermal method

Review on TiO2 nanotubes in dye-sensitized solar cells: electrochemical anodization and hydrothermal method

Experimental and Modeling Study for the Solar-Driven CO2 Electrochemical Reduction to CO

With the rising levels of atmospheric CO2, electrochemistry shows great promise in decarbonizing industrial processes by converting CO2 into valuable products through scalable and sustainable technologies. In this framework, the present study investigates the solar-driven CO2 reduction toward carbon monoxide, achieved by the integration between the electrochemical reactor and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), both in experimental and modeling perspectives. COMSOL® Multiphysics 6.3 was used to develop a detailed finite element method model of the electrochemical cell integrated with a photovoltaic module, validated with the experimental results that demonstrated a strong correlation. A 2D model was designed, incorporating cathode and anode regions divided by an ion-exchange membrane. The model includes platinum foil and silver nanoparticles as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction and CO2 reduction reaction, respectively. Integration with the fundamental equations of the DSSCs was simulated to analyze the solar-driven CO2 reduction behavior under solar irradiance variations, offering a valuable tool for optimizing operating conditions and predicting the device performance under different environmental conditions. The integrated device successfully produces CO with a faradaic efficiency of 73.85% at a current density of J = 3.35 mA/cm2 under 1 sun illumination, with the result validated and reproduced by the mathematical model. Under reduced illumination conditions of 0.8 and 0.6 suns, faradaic efficiencies of 68.5% and 64.1% were achieved, respectively.

Innovative bio-inspired solar cells using fly ash-based dye-sensitized cells with fruit extract enhancements and Averrhoa bilimbi electrolyte

This study responds to the urgent need for renewable energy in Indonesia, driven by climate change and the energy crisis, by developing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials. Traditional silicon-based photovoltaic cells, which have plateaued at 27% efficiency, are costly and environmentally unfriendly, leading to the demand for alternatives like DSSCs, which offer lower production costs, flexibility, and effective performance in diffuse light. The research focuses on designing DSSCs with Fe and Mg extracted from fly ash as counter electrodes, dragon fruit peel as a natural dye sensitizer, and Averrhoa bilimbi as an electrolyte booster. UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated that dragon fruit dye absorbs light effectively in the 360-700 nm range, peaking at 550 nm, making it an ideal sensitizer for wide-band gap semiconductors. Voltage output tests showed that Fe-doped DSSCs consistently outperformed Mg-doped ones, with Fe-based cells generating a maximum voltage of 413 mV compared to 163 mV for Mg-based cells. Long-term testing over three months further demonstrated Fe-doped cells' superior performance, peaking at 454.6 mV, while Mg-doped cells reached 261.96 mV. These results highlight Fe's effectiveness as a doping material, improving DSSC efficiency and supporting the use of natural dyes and sustainable materials. The study aligns with prior research on the critical role of material properties and solar irradiance in DSSC performance, demonstrating the potential of using fly ash and natural dyes for efficient solar energy solutions in South Sumatra. Future research will focus on optimizing material composition for enhanced performance.

Dye sensitized solar cells: Meta-analysis of effect sensitizer-type on photovoltaic efficiency.

Since Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) was created, a versatile and cost-effective alternative among photovoltaic technology options for power generation and energy transition to combat climate change have emerged. The theoretical and experimental knowledge of DSSCs have increased in regard to their operation in the last three decades of development; it includes the device's components, as well as the most recent innovations in their application and forms of activation. In this work paper, we presented a meta-study of photovoltaic characterization parameters, 329 scientific reports of DSSCs were considered to compare three types of sensitizers (Organometallics, non-metal organic dyes and, natural dyes). The objective of this study is to compare DSSCs performance when using three different sensitizers. In general, the best reported results related to DSSCs are based on organic and organometallic sensitizers. DSSCs based on organometallic compounds have an average efficiency of approximately 9.1%, which displays the best average result; the maximum efficiency value recorded for DSSCs sensitized to organometallic compounds is 13.0 %. DSSCs based on synthetic organic sensitizers without the presence of metals in their structure, the average efficiency is approximately 7.1% and the maximum efficiency values is 15.2% (DSSCs utilize the co-photosensitization system and dye pre-adsorption treatment). DSSCs based on natural sensitizers indicated an average efficiency value about 0.5% and the maximum efficiency value recorded is 2.3%.