Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Cell Research Articles

Impact of π-spacer on dye-sensitized solar cells and non-linear optical performance: Styryl vs imine vs azo

Julolidine-based dyes, having a benzoic acid anchoring group, conjugated through different π-bridges (styryl, imine, and azo) have been investigated. It is discovered that the charge transfer (CT) characteristics of the dye system are changed as the π-bridges become less symmetrical. According to TD-DFT studies, the vertical absorption maximum shifts to the red region when the “N” atom is added to the styryl backbone. Computed photovoltaic characteristics, however, indicate that these dyes perform poorly when the “N” atom is added to the styryl backbone. Studies on dye@TiO2 clusters showa possible bonding between these dyes and TiO2, which would cause dye@TiO2 cluster absorption to shift red. Conversely, computed results of linear and non-linear optical (NLO) properties exhibit opposite patterns to those observed in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performance.Julolidine-based dyes with imine and azo linkers combined with benzoic acid were created and evaluated as DSSC sensitizers to determine their practical application. In agreement with DFT findings, experimental absorption in dimethylformamide (DMF) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) study verified the essential need for HOMO and LUMO energy levels. High thermal stability is indicated by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, which supports practical applications in DSSCs and non-linear optics (NLO). The efficiency patterns of the fabricated DSSC cells were similar, with JNNC showing the lowest efficiency (0.07 ± 0.02) and JCNC-OH demonstrating the highest (1.94 ± 0.02).

A Brief Study of the Carbon Counter Electrode for Photosensor based on DSSC

We investigate the fabrication of photosensor devices based on dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). DSSC photovoltaic cells use solar light energy to trigger chemical reactions as a source of electrical energy. DSSC has several advantages, namely low production costs, environmental friendliness, easy fabrication, and high-power conversion efficiency. Therefore, DSSC is ideal for use as a photosensor. Most DSSCs use a wet electrolyte to provide ionic conductivity to the photoanode. However, long-term use of liquid electrolyte causes corrosion which can reduce the stability of the resulting current. In this research, yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) solid electrolyte was used to prevent corrosion of the photoanode. Samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, UV-Vis and photoresponse. The XRD results show the crystallinity of nanoporous TiO2 and YSZ. SEM results show that the average particle size distribution of TiO2 /YSZ DSSC cells is 315 nm. The sensitivity, rise and fall times of the photosensor have been calculated by varying the counter electrode when testing the photoresponse. Finally, Graphene as a counter showed higher voltage and current compared to AC which is 0.2 V and 0.05 µA.

Performance Evaluation of Modified Zinc-Phthalocyanine Groups as an Active Material in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The increasing demand for energy and electricity and the depletion of fossil fuels are global problems. In recent years, dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) technologies have gained notoriety for their application in solar energy. DSSCs are considered a promising alternative renewable energy source to both inorganic and organic photovoltaic (PV) cells. Many types of dyes are being investigated to enhance the light-harvesting properties of DSSCs, but the actual realization of these absorbers in cell structure requires optimum parameters. The main aim of this study was to simulate proposed zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPC)-based structures to validate their design, assess their performance for commercial implementation, and optimize the cell parameters for optimum efficiency. To that end, Scaps-1D was employed to evaluate the performance of DSSCs to determine their optimum parameters. We found that ZnPC and isopropoxy ZnPC molecules outperform others molecules because of better optoelectronic properties. Several other parametric effects, such as photoactive layer thicknesses, doping densities, trap densities, and charge carrier mobilities, were also evaluated to observe their impact on device performance. The results show that moderate thickness, low defect density, moderate doping, and charge carrier mobility are favorable for better device performance due to low recombination losses, electrical losses, and better transport of charge carriers. The utmost power conversion efficiency values found for ZnPC- and ZnPC: PC70BM-based DSSCs after optimization were 9.50% and 9.81%. This paper also suggests a practical method for efficiently using DSSC cells by modifying factors that are significantly reliant on DSSC performance and output.

Numerical optimization and performance evaluation of ZnPC:PC70BM based dye-sensitized solar cell

The increase in global energy consumption and the related ecological problems have generated a constant demand for alternative energy sources superior to traditional ones. This is why unlimited photon-energy harnessing is important. A notable focus to address this concern is on advancing and producing cost-effective low-loss solar cells. For efficient light energy capture and conversion, we fabricated a ZnPC:PC70BM-based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and estimated its performance using a solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D). We evaluated the output parameters of the ZnPC:PC70BM-based DSSC with different photoactive layer thicknesses, series and shunt resistances, and back-metal work function. Our analyses show that moderate thickness, minimum series resistance, high shunt resistance, and high metal-work function are favorable for better device performance due to low recombination losses, electrical losses, and better transport of charge carriers. In addition, in-depth research for clarifying the impact of factors, such as thickness variation, defect density, and doping density of charge transport layers, has been conducted. The best efficiency value found was 10.30% after tweaking the parameters. It also provides a realistic strategy for efficiently utilizing DSSC cells by altering features that are highly dependent on DSSC performance and output.

Mixed phase nanoarchitectonics of NiS@SnS@Ni3Sn2S2 as a tetrafunctional catalyst for dye-sensitized solar cells, supercapacitors, and water splitting applications

The development of low-cost, high-efficiency multifunctional electrocatalysts is an ongoing concern, and it is critical for future energy-related devices. Mixed-phase NiS@SnS@Ni3Sn2S2 nanostructures are synthesized by facile microwave approach and are used as an electrocatalyst for the reduction of tri-iodide to iodide (I3−/I−) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), asymmetric supercapacitors, and overall water-splitting applications. Further, the performances have been improved by adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). For assessing the crystalline structure, phase, size, shape, porosity, and composition, several analytical tools are employed. The electrochemical outcomes show that NiS@SnS@Ni3Sn2S2/MWCNT counter electrode assisted DSSC cell delivered the highest efficiency of 6.0 % and found to be an efficient electrode for supercapacitors, evidencing a large specific capacitance (766 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), an outstanding energy density of 85.2 W h kg−1 at an ultra-high-power density of 3600 W kg−1 and cycling stability (94 % after 10,000 cycles at 15 A g−1). Furthermore, the optimized NiS@SnS@Ni3Sn2S2/MWCNT catalyst demonstrates better oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction. The combination of different phases and shapes in the catalysts can provide a synergistic effect as well as good surface active sites along with a carrier transfer path, resulting in efficient I3− reduction, higher specific capacitance and energy density, superior cycling stability, and low over-potential, thus making NiS@SnS@Ni3Sn2S2/MWCNT hybrid as an efficient tetrafunctional electrocatalyst for energy gadgets.

Utilization of leaf and fruit extracts of kedondong (Spondias dulcis Forst) as a supporting material for energy conversion in dye sensitized solar cells and electrochemical cells

This study aims to obtain a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) prototype and a voltaic cell prototype using the kedondong plant (Spondias dulcis Forst). Kedondong leaves as a source of chlorophyll were deliberately chosen to be in line with the use of kedondong fruit as a material for electrochemical cells, so that two research results could be obtained from the kedondong plant. This research is for the application of scientific development, increasing the added value of kedondong plant, and as support for the use of environmentally friendly energy. Research methods in general are chlorophyll extraction, citric acid isolation, chlorophyll testing, DSSC assembly, electrochemical cell assembly, and performance testing for both DSSC and electrochemical cells. The analysis results show that typical peaks appear for the functional groups in chlorophyll at certain wave numbers. Hydroxyl (-OH) groups appear in the range of 3650 - 3200 cm-1, the C=C group at 1700 - 1500 cm-1, the C-N group at 1350 - 1000 cm-1, and the C-O group at 1300 - 1000 cm-1. Quantitative testing used a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 645 nm and 633 nm, the results obtained were chlorophyll a was 4.52 mg/L, chlorophyll b was 8.43 mg/L, and total chlorophyll was 12.95 mg/L. The DSSC prototype performance test with a size of only 2.5 cm2, can produce a minimum voltage of 30.1 mV and a maximum of 280 mV. The electrochemical test of kedondong citric acid extract showed that the value of the electric voltage ranged from 121 to 630 mV. Keywords: Kedondong, Chlorophyll, DSSC, Citric acid, Electrochemical cells

Analysis of Absorbance Patterns and Functional Groups of BIO-Dye (<i>Ocimum sanctum</i>) Based on pH Variations in the Wet and Dry Extraction Method

Bio-Dye is a dye derived from natural ingredients that have an important role in DSSC performance. This Bio-Dye is later in charge of absorbing sunlight entering the DSSC cells. Bio-Dye is a dye derived from natural ingredients that have an important role in the performance of the DSSC. This Bio-Dye is the one that will be in charge of absorbing sunlight entering the DSSC cells). One important key to know DSSC performance is to pay attention to the quality of the BIO-Dye. A good BIO-Dye can be seen by knowing the absorbance pattern and the function group of the dye its self. This research was conducted to determine absorbance patterns and functional groups based on pH variations in the wet and dry extraction methods contained in the Ocimum sanctum. The absorbance pattern was seen using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and a functional group using FTIR. The chlorophyll pigment contained in the BIO-Dye (Ocimum sanctum leaf) was extracted using an ethanol solvent and added acetic acid to produce variations in pH values. The UV-Vis spectrometer measurement results showed the highest absorbance pattern was possessed by Ocimum sanctum dye in the dry extraction method and at natural pH (pH = 6.5). The peak absorbance they have is 648 nm, 614 nm, and 537 nm. The FTIR spectrum was obtained from Ocimum sanctum information containing the same functional groups when variations in pH values ​​were carried out in the wet and dry extraction methods. The functional groups are OH groups at wave number 3356.57 cm-1, CH at 2975.37 cm-1, C = O at 1652.50 cm-1, CN at 1383.81 cm-1, C = C at 880.25 cm-1, and CH absorbed at wave number 1087.78 cm-1. In general, it can be concluded that natural dye from Ocimum sanctum has a high absorbance in the visible light region and contains COOH compounds that can strengthen the bond of dye with TiO2 semiconductors so that Ocimum sanctum can be used as a dye in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC).

Directly grown of NiCo2S4 nanoparticles on a conducting substrate towards the high-performance counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell: A combined theoretical and experimental study

Development of alternate counter electrode for the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using simple and single method are the major focus of the research to resolve problems related to the platinum (Pt)-based counter electrode. In the present work, NiCo2S4 based counter electrode has been directly developed on the fluorine-doped tin oxide coated glass substrate (FTO) using one step and simple hydrothermal method. The prepared NiCo2S4@FTO electrode was characterized by the range of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques as well as further assembled in the DSSC device in order to evaluate the electrode performance. The NiCo2S4 counter electrode exhibited the 6.53% photovoltaic performance in the assembled DSSC which is almost similar to the benchmark Pt based counter electrode (6.88%) under similar experimental conditions. The excellent performance of the elected NiCo2S4@FTO electrode could be due to the high electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of the I3− to I− and smaller size of the nanoparticle which provide high surface area and catalytic sites. We adapted a theoretical model based on electrical considerations to study the impact of physical parameter of DSSC cell on the – characteristic, performance and photovoltaic efficiency, using the experimental parameters. The model is reproducing perfectly the I–V curve and related DSSC characteristics.

RGO based photo-anode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and its photovoltaic characteristics

On the attempt to increase transport properties of the photo-anode in DSSC, we synthesized rGO powder from graphite bar (commercially available) using modified Hummer’s method. The SEM-EDS results had confirmed the attachment of the rGO layer to the FTO substrate. For DSSC cells, we made two cells configuration, the first one was stacking layers of rGO and TiO2 resulting configuration of TiO2/rGO/TiO2 (A2) and rGO/TiO2/rGO (A3), where rGO was deposited by spin coating and TiO2 was deposited by a screen printing technique. The second one, the rGO powder was mixed with TiO2 paste with several ratios in weight, namely TiO2:rGO 40:1 (B1), 40:2 (B2), and 40:8 (B3) and then deposited on the FTO substrate by screen printing. The reference cell was assigned as A1 (TiO2 only). From the conductivity measurement using the four-probe method, the utilization of rGO layer increased the conductivity of photoanode layer, namely (1.37, 2.9 and 6.3)x10−2 Ω−1cm−1 for A1 to A3 and (1.5, 2.5, and 3.7)x10−2 Ω−1cm−1 for B1 to B3. From the photovoltaic measurement, we found that the efficiency of the DSSC cell firstly increased with the insertion of rGO layer, from 1.8% (A1) to 4.59% (A2), and decreased to 3.22%, as the conductivity increased in A3. While for the composite of TiO2:rGO, the efficiency of the cell reduced with the increased amount of rGO, from 3.45% (B1) to 2.9% and 1.9% for B2 and B3. We found that the reduction of photovoltaic performance was affected by two main factors, specifically, direct contact between rGO and redox species in the electrolyte, which induced recombination process, and conductivity of the photo-anode layer. To fully achieve the advantage of rGO utilization in photo-anode, once must be considered was the use of protection layer on top of the rGO layer to avoid direct contact between the rGO/electrolyte interface.

Influence Annealing Temperature of Working Electrode and Scattering Layer to Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

DSSC was kind of solar cell based on dye as sensitizer or photon absorber. Scattering layer method used to optimize photon scattered process on working electrode. In this research, variation temperature annealing of scattering layer have done to find out the effect toward DSSC’s efficiency. TiO 2 nanopowder and TiO 2 transparent are used as semiconductor layer and scattering layer, respectively which deposited with spin coating method. Platinum was deposited on counter electrode with brush painting method. TiO 2 nanopowder was annealed at 400 o C, while scattering layer were annealed at variation temperature i.e. 400 o C, 450 o C, 500 o C, and 550 o C. Dye Ruthenium Complex N719 was used as sensitizer on DSSC’s structure. Result of XRD characterization on working electrode show that highest crystallite size is 18.92 nm with annealing process of scattering layer at 450 o C and decreased when the temperature is over 400 o C. Photovoltaic characterization used Keithley I-V meter. The annealing process of scattering layer at temperature 450 o C has good photovoltaic parameter. This cell has short circuit current ( I sc ) is A, open circuit voltage ( V oc ) is 0.39 V, and fill factor is 0.51. The value of V oc was influenced by the absorption of dye in TiO 2 layer. Annealing scattering layer at 450 o C produce crystallite structure with higher TiO 2 surface area, it can optimize photon absorption of dye more than the annealing process over 450 o C. Scattering layer which annealing at 450 o C can increase efficiency of DSSC cells from % to %.

Novel geometric approach for photosensor construction based on dye-sensitization of TiO2 nanoparticles on stainless steel

We investigated a novel method of photosensor device fabrication which does not use optically transparent electrodes (OTEs) and is based on dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) technology. DSSCs are a typical representative of photoelectrochemical cells that use incident solar light as an energy that drives chemical reaction used as a source of electric energy. Due to their use of organic supplements instead of expensive semiconductors as well as much easier assembly, they were prime candidate to replace semiconductor cells. Their production cost is much lower compared to traditional semiconductors, such as silicon or even GaAs and as such they are ideal to be used as a platform for inexpensive photosensors.Vast majority of DSSC and perovskite solar cell (PSC) utilize at least one optically transparent electrode (OTE) in order to operate normally. Herein, the novelty of described devices is that they use an insulator layer between two metal electrodes, and have electrolyte placed around metal electrodes. Several devices have been assembled using SS316 type stainless steel foil and have used liquid I−/I3− based electrolyte in inverted configuration. Constructed devices were investigated using various electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, FE-SEM analysis has been performed on TiO2 coated FTO and stainless steel photoelectrodes. Results revealed that it is possible to construct a photo-sensing device that has better open circuit potential (0.74 V) output compared to already established technology that uses OTE, and that it is possible to make a tape-type device with adequate response. Using thin metal foil, it is also possible to construct rigid photosensors that could be potentially developed into new type of photo-sensing tape.

Effect of MWCNT's concentration in TiO2 based DSSC and degradation study of the cell

In this paper, the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) concentration on a TiO2 based dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has been demonstrated along with the degradation study of the cell. Introducing MWCNTs into the semiconductor material reduces the resistance of the host material as well as enhances the thermal and electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility. As the concentration of MWCNTs in TiO2 is increased, the cell efficiency also increased gradually until it reached an optimum concentration of 0.015 wt. %. A further increase in MWCNT's concentration in TiO2 leads to the negative effect of the DSSC's cell parameters by decreasing the short-circuit current and the fill factor, thus decreasing the overall cell efficiency. This result has been obtained by using a natural yellow dye extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa). Without MWCNT incorporation, TiO2 has the cell efficiency of 0.921%, but for the optimum concentration of MWCNT incorporation, TiO2 has the maximum cell efficiency of 1.653%. Finally, the degradation study of the cell has been carried out for 360 hours.

Synthesis and application of TiO2 nanorods as photo-anode in dye-sensitized solar cells

Titanium dioxide or TiO2 with nanorods structure as photo-anode component in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has attracted attention in many research because this morphology has the ability to transfer electron fastly, thereby reducing the risks of electron recombination. In this research, TiO2 nanorods were synthesized using various ratios of titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) i.e. 1, 2, and 4, and mixed with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and deionized (DI) water with a ratio of 60:60. The growing process was done via hydrothermal method at 200 °C for 3 hours. The morphology of TiO2 nanorods photo-anode was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Meanwhile, the performance of DSSC cell was characterized using incident photon-to-current efficiency and current-voltage (I-V) measurement under solar simulator with an intensity of 500 W/m2. The TiO2 nanorods that were grown using 2 ratio of TTIP generated cell with the best efficiency, that is 0.08%. The highest efficiency was obtained using this ratio presumably because the produced TiO2 nanorods had the optimized morphology for an optimum dye adsorption, good and fast electron transport, and thus was able to reduce the electron recombination within the photo-anode.

Effect of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Light Scattering Layer deposited by Spray Deposition Method at Room Temperature for Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

Abstract TiO2 light scattering layer was prepared form TiO2 (Degussa P25) colloidal solution of 0.75% by Wt. by spray coating machine under O2 gas. The conditions were varied with pulse spray at 5, 10, 15 and 20 times under substrate rotation deposited on the nano-porous TiO2/FTO substrate. The TiO2 working electrodes were sintered at 500°C for 1 hour and lead to immersed in dye sensitizer for 24 hours. Morphological, structural and optical properties were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis spectrophotometer, respectively. DSSC cells were fabricated by the TiO2 working electrodes sandwich with the Pt counter electrode. Photo-conversion efficiency of DSSC cells were compared between the standard cells which non-TiO2 scattering layer and the TiO2 scattering layer by solar simulator (AM 1.5). Structural characteristic exhibits crystalline of anatase phase TiO2 plane (101). Surface morphology is beginning uniform distribution when the pulses spray since to 15 times and obtains nano-microparticles sizes. Moreover, thickness of TiO2 light scattering layer and TiO2 working electrodes have approximately of 1 to 1.5 µm and 10 to 20 µm. Transmittances spectra of have lower 50%. Reflections spectra have lower of 50% and absorbance can be absorbed of 1 to 2% show that low transmittance, low reflection and low absorption in visible light which occur light scattering effect in TiO2 scattering layer well. The efficiency can be highest obtains which consists of the open circuit voltage (Voc), the current density (Jsc), fill factor.

Three-dimensional of graphene oxide Ba2VPbSe6 framework composite attach on cellulose based counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell

In this work, the three-dimensional of graphene oxide/Ba2VPbSe6 composites with cellulose (GB@C) have been successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and used as the counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The three-dimensional GB@C framework showed multiple benefits, such as high surface area, electrocatalytic ability, stability, and high-speed electron conduction, which can improve the conversion efficiency of DSSCs. The special properties and performances of various amounts of graphene oxide (10–30 wt%) as counter electrodes are presented. The highest photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) reached 9.47% with 20 wt% GB@C, which was higher than the pristine Pt CEs at the same conditions. Thus, we introduce a novel GB@C framework an alternative for CEs to improve the performance of DSSC cells.

3-Dimensional dye sensitized solar cell sub-module with oblique angled cell array for enhanced power and energy density output utilizing non-linear relation in cosine law of light incident angle

The application of photovoltaics (PV) has broadened into urban environments, which has different condition from rural environments, where generally PV power plants are installed. In order to develop solar cells for urban application, we should find the answers to two questions with dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). One is current flat module design is really optimized for all solar cell types. The other is, if not, how to find the optimized module design. The power output from solar cells according to light incident angle has two types: one is linear to cosine law where the flat module and the other is non-linear to cosine law where 3-dimensional array of cell in the module can provide improved power output and energy density in given installed area. We have shown that DSSCs belongs to second case and non-linearity came under angled incident light by means of FDM calculation and experiments. In addition, by introducing patterns in the photoanode, light trapping effect maximized non-linearity to the oblique incident. We have arrayed the DSSCs cells into sub-modules with oblique angle. From this simple modification, from flat 2-dimensional array to 3-dimensional array of cells, the power output and energy density increased by 30–40%, respectively.

Impact of ionizing radiation doses on nanocrystalline TiO2 layer in DSSC’s photoanode film

Abstract In dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) properties of nanocrystalline oxide layer of photoanode may changes when exposed to ionization radiation environment which may leads to change the cell performance. In this study, 10 µm thick TiO2 (Degussa-P25) was deposited as a photoanode film on microscopic glass slide with the doctor-blade coating. The deposited film was subjected to different gamma (γ) radiation doses (0–20 kGy) to study the effect of ionizing radiation on morphological, structural, optical and compositional characteristics of the film. At 10 kGy dose, dislocation density (DD), strain, crystallites per unit surface area (CPSA), specific surface area (SSA) of anatase phase (1 0 1) of the film were decreased abruptly, conversely, crystal size and morphology index (MI) were increased at the same radiation dose slowly. UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy results showed that in irradiated photoanode film the light transmittance and absorption depth were decreased, whereas, absorption and absorption coefficient were increased beyond the visible wavelength. The optical band gap of the irradiated film was increased by 12.5% when the gamma radiation dose increased from 0 kGy to 20 kGy. Thus, the irradiation induced changes in physio-chemical properties of nanocrystalline photoanode film may affect the DSSC cell performance.

Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) Fabricated with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanpowders and Nanorods

Due to their high efficiencies, along with lower production costs, many researchers are working on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) over last few decades as a substitute technology for nonconventional energy. Nanostructured ZnO has got many interesting properties such as wide band gap, large exciton binding energy, good exciton stability, and high breakdown strength, which are applicable as DSSC electrodes. This present work compares the device properties of DSSC fabricated using ZnO nanorods on a ZnO film and ZnO nanopowders. Different types of ZnO photoanode and dye combinations are used to study the stability and photovoltaic properties of the DSSC cell. The photovoltaic properties of the ZnO-based DSSC samples were systematically investigated. The photovoltaic properties of fabricated cell obtained are discussed in the light of band structure and density of states of different types of ZnO nanolayers. The ZnO nanorods fabricated through the sol–gel route have more uniform thickness resulting in enhanced photovoltaic properties of the fabricated device.

A review on PV cells and nanocomposite-coated PV systems

Solar radiation can be converted into electrical energy and generate electric power that can be utilized in multiple ways. The technological improvements have provided enormous solutions to the mankind for utilizing the solar energy although photovoltaic's (PV) by consuming sunlight. Photovoltaic is popularly known by the process of converting light to electricity. The current estimated growth by producing global power around 368 GW in 2017 and projecting 3000 to 10 000 GW by 2030. Looking at all the available solar cells, it has been observed that the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) when compared to mono-Si or poly-Si has been effective in its performance and also reduces production cost to a great extent. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSC has reached to a better extent and been discussed in the paper. There are other mechanisms through which the efficiency can be improved like applying the antireflection coating. Reflection is a usual phenomenon that happens when light incident from one medium to another varies in refractive index. This reflection is one of the important reasons for the loss of power in the PV Cell. So to improve the PCE, the Mono-Si or DSSC PV Cells can be applied with a thin film antireflection coating by the nanocomposite film consisting of single- or multi-wall carbon nanotubes with TiO2 and other efficient nanoparticles. This paper discusses on different kinds of nanocomposite materials, and their functionalities has been clearly given. Remarkable improvements have been recorded in the last 1 year by applying the antireflection coating; the PCE has further been increased enormously when compared to the uncoated solar cell for both DSSC and Mono-Si PV cells.

Annealing temperature effect on structural, morphological and optical parameters of mesoporous TiO2film photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cell application

AbstractUse of Degussa P25 titanium-dioxide nanopowder in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) photoanode improves efficiency of the DSSC cell. Annealing of titanium dioxide is required for fabrication of crystalline mesoporous thin film photoanode on transparent conducting glass using doctor blade method. Different annealing temperatures provide different structural, morphological, and optical properties of the photoanode, which may influence the efficiency of the cell. In this paper, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopicanalysis have been carried out to investigate annealing temperature effect on various structural parameters, mole-fraction, phase-content, and optical bandgap of the TiO2film photoanode. It was observed that depending on annealing temperature, theratio of polymorphs of Degussa P25 changed substantially. For the change in annealing temperature from 350 °C to 600 °C, variations occurred in crystallite size from 11.9 nm to 24.9 nm, strain from 0.006 to 0.014, specific surface area from 62.77 m2·g-1to 125.74 m2·g-1, morphology index from 0.49 to 0.64, dislocation density from 5 × 1013line/m2to 8 × 1015line/m2, crystallite per unit surface area from 2 × 1013m-2to 2.5 × 1014m-2, and optical bandgap from 2.4 eV to 3.1 eV.