Fabrication Of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE OF DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS USING MELINJO PEEL (GNETUM GNEMON) DYE AS SENSITIZER

It has been successfully identified and characterized by dye Melinjo peel (Gnetum gnemon) as an active material for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). The sample is formed in the structure of a working pair of electrode sandwiches and opposing electrodes. The dye extraction process (Dye) of the melinjo was stirred for 1 hour and then left to stand for 24 hours but there were only differences in how to doping dye into TiO2.Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is one of the photochemical electrical cells consisting of a photoelectrode, dye, electrolyte, and counter electrode. The purpose of using dyes in the DSSC is to extend the absorption spectrum to visible light because visible light has about 96% energy from sunlight. This article presents some experimental data on the nature of absorbance and the conductivity of natural dyes extracted from the plant as an application in the DSSC. Absorbance test using Spectrophotometer UV Visible 1601 PC and electrical properties test using Elkahfi 100 / Meter I-V. DSSC fabrication has been done using dye extract of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) with a variety of immersion technique of drops and soak. The results show that natural dyes from natural material extraction have an absorbance spectrum of 380-520 nm range and the greatest conductivity is owned by melinjo (Gnetum gnemon). From the results of the test using AM Simulator 1.5G (100 mW / cm2) diesel simulator, it was found that the volume of TiO2 precursors affected the performance of DSSC solar cells and the overall conversion efficiency was 0.03% for the melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) dye by drops technique and 0.009% for the melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) dye by soak technique.

The effect of holding time variation on the efficiency of DSSC TiO2 transparent with dye Ipomoea aquatica Forsk

TiO2 semiconductor material is commonly used as a working electrode in dyesensitized solar cell (DSSC). There are two types of TiO2 used, namely the form of nanopowder and transparent paste. In this study, the fabrication of DSSC has been successfully carried out using TiO2 with a transparent type of paste. DSSC fabrication was carried out by placing transparent TiO2 paste 18 NR-T using three variations of holding time in the heating process using furnace Carbolite 1100. Variations of holding time used were 10 minutes, 20 minutes and 30 minutes at 500 °C. Natural dye that is used comes from Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. For DSSC characterization, I-V test was done using Keithley 2620A and absorbance test using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Lambda 25. The results of the characterization obtained the highest efficiency 5.5 x 10-2%. While the absorbance test obtained absorption peaks in the wavelength range for each watercolor dye 400-440 nm and 640-680 nm.

Photocurrent enhancement by incorporation of air-stable Cs2SnI6 Perovskite in dye-sensitized solar cell

Cs2SnI6 is an inorganic lead-free perovskite variant which is air and thermal stable and its application in the third generation of photovoltaic devices is undergoing rapid expansion over the past few years. This paper presents a fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with the incorporation of Cs2SnI6 perovskite in the active layer of N-719 dye. The absorbance spectra of N-719 dye on TiO2 mesoporous layer is found to increase by the addition of 2 wt% and 3 wt% of Cs2SnI6 in N719 dye in comparison to the reference of N-719 dye leading the role of Cs2SnI6 as photon absorber in the devices. Our fabricated DSSC device reveals a photocurrent enhancement from 6.36 mA/cm2 to 12.87 mA/cm2 by the addition of 3 wt% of Cs2SnI6, along with the enhancement of power conversion efficiency from 1.71% to 3.94%.

Performance of ZnO/ZnS nanocomposite based dye-sensitized solar cell with chitosan-polymer electrolyte

Chitosan is a biodegradable and nontoxic polymer and it exhibits piezoelectricity, which is a useful property for an electrolyte where the phototronic effect can be activated to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in solar cells. This is used here as an electrolyte in ZnO/ZnS based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Also, to reduce the recombination of electrons, enhanced ionic conductivity and the stability of the redox this electrolyte is used. Here, ZnO/ZnS nanocomposite photo-anode is used in the fabrication of DSSCs and tested with LED lamp for the chitosan-based polymer electrolyte. The maximum PCE of 1.6% is achieved.

Anatase TiO2 nanowires with nanoscale whiskers for the improved photovoltaic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells

TiO2 as an efficient electron transfer material has been widely utilized in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and the morphology of TiO2 plays a decisive role in the performance of DSSCs. However, one-dimensional TiO2 nanowires, which are generally used as the efficient electron transport layers, have small specific surface area and low dye loading. Here, we introduce an effective and reproducible one-step hydrothermal method to prepare TiO2 nanowire with nanoscale whiskers. The synthetic sample was characterized by the field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction. TiO2 nanowire with nanoscale whiskers has a high light scattering performance and high dye loading capacity. This novel TiO2 nanowire show a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.12%, which is close to the benchmark of P25 nanoparticle usually used in DSSC fabrication. The PCE of DSSC-3 using TiO2 nanowire with nanoscale whiskers and commercial P25 double-layer photoanode has a PCE of 5.98%, showing an increase of 11.98% when compared with DSSC-2 based on pure P25 photoanode.

Cellulose Nanocrystal Aerogels as Electrolyte Scaffolds for Glass and Plastic Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

The fabrication, thickness, and structure of aerogel films composed of covalently cross-linked cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate) (POEGMA) were optimized for use as electrolyte absorbers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The aerogel films were cast directly on transparent conducting counter electrode substrates (glass and flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) plastic) and then used to absorb drop-cast liquid electrolyte, thus providing an alternative method of filling electrolyte in DSSCs. This approach eliminates the use of electrolyte-filling holes, which are a typical pathway of electrolyte leakage, and furthermore enables a homogeneous distribution of electrolyte components within the photoelectrode. Unlike typical in situ electrolyte gelation approaches, the phase inversion method used here results in a highly porous (>99%) electrolyte scaffold with excellent ionic conductivity and interfacial properties. DSSCs prepared with CNC–POEGMA aerogels reached similar power conversion efficiencies as compared to liquid electrolyte devices, indicating that the aerogel does not interfere with the operation of the device. These aerogels retain their structural integrity upon bending, which is critical for their application in flexible devices. Furthermore, the aerogels demonstrate impressive chemical and mechanical stability in typical electrolyte solvents because of their stable covalent cross-linking. Overall, this work demonstrates that the DSSC fabrication process can be simplified and made more easily upscalable by taking advantage of CNCs, being an abundant and sustainable bio-based material.

Bi-layer photoanodes with superior charge collection ability and diffusion length of sub-layer nanostructures for the fabrication of high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells

Simple, strategic design approach for the construction of various bi-layer photoanodes of same film thickness (∼15 μm) comprised of common TiO2 nanoparticles underlayer and dissimilar light-scattering one/three dimensional (1D/3D) TiO2 nanostructures as upper layers towards achieving high efficiency dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are reported. Among the four different bi-layer DSSC photoanodes constructed in this work, typical ∼25 nm sized TiO2 nanoparticles underlayer and 1D nanowires upper layer (TNP + TNW) based photoanode has showed a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.90 ± 0.38% after TiCl4 post-treatment, higher than the PCE of photoanodes containing 3D TiO2 nanostructures such as hierarchical nanorods (THNR), core-shell microspheres and large nanocrystalline polygons + rods as upper layers. The maximum photovoltaic performance has been observed in the DSSC of TNP + TNW bi-layer photoanode owing to its sub-layer nanostructures with synergistic interfaces demonstrated superior light-scattering ability and efficient charge transport across sub-layers, thereby improved the charge collection yield and carrier lifetime. The TNP + THNR bi-layer photoanode has showed lower PCE due to the THNR upper layer comprised of rutile phase hierarchical nanorods chemisorbed much less dyes and increased charge recombination, while it has higher surface area, superior chemical capacitance and improved charge collection capacity in its sub-layers.

Synthesis, characterization, and dye-sensitized solar cell fabrication using potato starch– and potato starch nanocrystal–based gel electrolytes

Potato starch (PS) and potato starch nanocrystals (PSN) were synthesized and characterized. The crystallinity of PS and PSN was studied by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Thermal properties of PS and their corresponding nanocrystal (PSN) were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). PS and PSN were used to prepare gel polymer electrolytes. Potato starch gel electrolyte (PSGE) and potato starch nanocrystal gel electrolytes (PSNGE) were prepared using low cost, environmental friendly solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Impedance spectroscopy was carried out to determine the ionic conductivity of the PSGE and PSNGEs. PSNGE shows the optimal higher conductivity of 0.38 × 10−8S/cm compared with PSGE electrolyte (0.29 × 10−8 S/cm). PSGE and PSNGE were used as electrolytes for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). PSNGE-based DSSC show higher conversion efficiency of 3.33% compared with PSGE-based DSSC (2.94%).

Reduced graphene oxide modified titania photoanodes for fabrication of the efficient dye-sensitized solar cell

In the present investigation, a novel photoanode material TiO2-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite has been prepared and coated by doctor blade technique for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells. The reduction of graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide and the crystallization of the material has been achieved by one step thermal annealing of photoanodes at 400 °C. The UV–Visible absorption and photoluminescence studies were confirming the following attributes that, the reduction in band gap energy and the existence of longer lifetime of charge carriers in TiO2-rGO nanocomposite photoanodes respectively. Fourier transform infra-red characterization was confirming the bonding between TiO2 and rGO. The X-ray diffraction pattern fortified the formation of anatase titania with reduced crystallite size due to the presence of graphene. The scanning electron microscopy images of TiO2-rGO nanocomposite photoanodes revealed the presence of spherical nanoparticles and agglomeration of graphene sheets in TiO2 matrix. In addition, Raman and transmission electron microscopy analysis ensured the interaction between TiO2 and graphene. The solar cell with TiO2-rGO nanocomposite photoanode has 6.61% efficiency which was 30% higher than that of the pristine TiO2 nanoparticles based device. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis proposed the reduction in charge transfer resistance which was achieved in the newly developed photoanode employed devices.

TiO2 Nanotube Arrays Formed on Ti Meshes with Periodically Arranged Holes for Flexible Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Vertically oriented TiO2 nanotubes (VOTNs) were prepared on Ti mesh substrates with periodically arranged holes by electrochemical anodization, which were then used as the photoanodes for flexible dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) fabrication. The VOTNs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effects of the anodization on the physical features of the VOTNs, such as nanotube diameter, wall thickness, and nanotube length, were studied in detail. The Ti mesh is an ideal candidate for DSSC substrates due to its highly bending ability under external force. The photo-to-electric conversion efficiency (η) of the mesh-VOTN-based DSSCs is dependent on the TiO2 nanotube length, which can achieve an efficiency of 2.66% at 100 mW cm–2 under AM 1.5 simulated full light when the nanotube length is ∼18 μm. The DSSC performance dependence on the Ti mesh geometry and the incident angle of the illuminated light were characterized by current density vs voltage (I–V) measureme...

Improving energy transfer efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell by fine tuning of dye planarity

Two push–pull metal-free sensitizers with 5,11-dihydroindolo[3,2-b]carbazole derivatives as electron-donating groups and 4-(benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-ylethynyl)benzoic acid (BTZ) as electron-withdrawing unit, denoted by SK201 and SK202, were synthesized and used for fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). SK202 contains a thienyl group between the donor and acceptor, whereas in SK201 the donor and acceptor are connected directly by a single bond. Introduction of a thienyl group improved the planarity of the dye molecule, broadened the absorption spectrum, enhanced the molar extinction coefficient, increased the dye loading on TiO2, and accelerated interface electron transfer on TiO2. This fine tuning of dye structure improved the performances of DSSCs based on SK202 sensitizers and gave a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.0% (Jsc 16.5 mA cm−2, Voc 932 mV, and fill factor 71.7%), compared with that of 7.2% for SK201, under standard AM1.5G solar irradiation (100 mW cm−2) with a Co(II/III) complex based redox couple.

Novel stainless steel based, eco-friendly dye-sensitized solar cells using electrospun porous ZnO nanofibers

Herein, we report a new type of eco-friendly, cost-effective stainless steel mesh-based flexible quasi-solid dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using electrospun ZnO nanofibers as the photoelectrode. The electrospun ZnO nanofibers showed enhanced surface to volume ratio due to the high porosity of the fibers composed of ZnO grains having 12–20 nm size with high interconnectivity. For DSSCs fabrication, commonly available natural dye chlorophyll was extracted from the Neem plant and used as the dye sensitizer. An overall solar cell conversion efficiency of 0.13 % was observed for the assembled DSSC with a short-circuit photocurrent, open-circuit voltage and fill factor of 28 μA, 0.321 mV and 32.77 %respectively. The present approach to develop cost-effective and eco-friendly DSSCs would open up enormous possibilities in effective harvesting of solar energy for commercial and rural area applications

Fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cell based on mixed tin and zinc oxide nanoparticles

In this study, we prepare zinc oxide and tin oxide nanoparticles employing the sol–gel method. Each of these materials possesses certain advantages and limitations for fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and a mixture of these nanoparticles can enhance the performance of the DSSC. We prepared SnO2/ZnO mixture with 5 different weight ratios and made photoanodes from them. These photoanodes demonstrate different amounts of dye-absorption which is an important factor for increasing the produced current of the DSSC. The charge transport dynamics of the DSSCs were investigated by EIS and OCVD measurements and the electron lifetime was calculated from them. The DSSC fabricated from a SnO2/ZnO ratio of 1:2 demonstrated the best electron lifetime and charge transport dynamics. Our best DSSC showed a short circuit current density of 8.8 mA/cm2, an open circuit voltage of 658 mV and a fill factor of 50% which resulted in a conversion efficiency of 2.9% and showed an improvement of, respectively, 21% and 106% in comparison with the cell prepared from pure zinc and tin oxides.

Pulsed Laser Fabrication of TiO2 Buffer Layers for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells.

We report on the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells with a TiO2 buffer layer between the transparent conductive oxide substrate and the mesoporous TiO2 film, in order to improve the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the device. The buffer layer was fabricated by pulsed laser deposition whereas the mesoporous film by the doctor blade method, using TiO2 paste obtained by the sol–gel technique. The buffer layer was deposited in either oxygen (10 Pa and 50 Pa) or argon (10 Pa and 50 Pa) onto transparent conducting oxide glass kept at room temperature. The cross-section scanning electron microscopy image showed differences in layer morphology and thickness, depending on the deposition conditions. Transmission electron microscopy studies of the TiO2 buffer layers indicated that films consisted of grains with typical diameters of 10 nm to 30 nm. We found that the photovoltaic conversion efficiencies, determined under standard air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5G) conditions, of the solar cells with a buffer layer are more than two times larger than those of the standard cells. The best performance was reached for buffer layers deposited at 10 Pa O2. We discuss the processes that take place in the device and emphasize the role of the brush-like buffer layer in the performance increase.

Improved Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells With TiO2 Nano-Particles by Using The Carrot as a Dye Solar Cell Application

The aims of the research to were know performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) using the dye of carrots (Daucus carota) as a photosensitizer with a variation of dye deposition area with spin coating techniques. The structure of the samples as a sandwich consisting of the working electrode titanium dioxide (TiO2), dye, electrodes of platinum (Pt) and the electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes. Test absorbance dye using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer Lambda 25, using a two-point conductivity test probes El Kahfi 100 and characterization test IV using a Keithley 2602A.. DSSC fabrication has been done using dye extract of carrots (Daucus carota) with a variety of solvent technique spin coating. The results show that dye extract of carrots (Daucus carota) have an absorbance spectrum of 380-520 nm range. From the results of the test using AM Simulator 1.5G (100 mW/ cm2) diesel simulator, it was found that the volume of TiO2 precursors affected the performance of DSSC solar cells and the overall conversion efficiency was 0.021% for the carrots (Daucus carota) dye with ethanol solvent and 0.037% for the carrots (Daucus carota) dye by solvent acetone.

Aging effect in dye-sensitized solar cells sealed with thermoplastic films

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to elucidate the aging effect in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) sealed with thermoplastic film and to compare it with unsealed DSSCs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the steps of the fabrication of standard DSSC, as well as the DSSC-sealing processes, by using thermoplastic film. Current-voltage characterization was performed to observe the changes in efficiency, fill factor, short circuit current density and open circuit voltage for both unsealed and sealed DSSCs for aging time up to 336 h.FindingsThe unsealed DSSC showed significant drop in efficiency from 4.26 to 2.42 per cent within the first 5.5 h of aging time because of the leakage and volatilization of the solvent in the electrolyte. On the other hand, the sealed DSSC exhibited a gradual improvement of efficiency from 4.16 to 4.73 per cent after the first 216 h of aging time. The initial efficiency increment can be ascribed to the improved adsorption of electrolyte into the titanium dioxide film because of the gradual desorption of excess dye from TiO2 with increasing aging time.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates the importance of the proper sealing process for the long-term operation of DSSC.

Wide wavelength photon harvesting in dye-sensitized solar cells utilizing cobalt complex redox electrolyte: Implication of surface passivation

A combination of near infra-red (NIR) photon harvesting and cobalt electrolytes having deeper redox energy level are needed for the fabrication of high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A logical molecular design of unsymmetrical squaraine dye (SQ-110) as a representative of NIR dyes has been demonstrated to function well in DSSC using cobalt complex redox electrolyte. Problem of mass transport limitations due to the bulky cobalt complex ions leading to relatively enhanced charge recombination was amicably solved by single as well as multiple compact metal oxide surface passivation on both of the transparent conducting oxide substrate as well as mesoporous TiO2. Complete absence of light absorption beyond 550 nm wavelength region by D-35 and utilization of a complementary light harvesting dye SQ-110 led to efficient wide wavelength photon harvesting. DSSC fabricated using a dye cocktail of D-35 and SQ-110 in 4:1 ratio resulted in to photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.2%, which is much higher as compared to the constituent individual sensitizers D-35 (3.6%) and SQ-110 (1.9%). This synergistic enhancement in PCE by dye cocktail was associated with the mutual co-operation of respective dyes in terms controlling the dye aggregation and complementary photon harvesting. In this dye cocktail system, D-35 is involved in the prevention of dye aggregation, lower wavelength photon harvesting and energy transfer induced photocurrent enhancement.

Full-stainless steel mesh dye-sensitized solar cells based on core-shell ZnO/TiO2 nanorods

We report fabrication and photovoltaic properties of flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs) based on stainless steel mesh (SSM)-supported core-shell ZnO/TiO2 nanorods photoanode and Pt nanoparticles- coated SSM counter electrode (Pt/SSM CE). The core-shell ZnO/TiO2 structures were prepared via simple chemical bath deposition, and optimal conversion efficiency of 2.84% was achieved. When aluminum foil membrane was introduced on the back of the FDSSCs as reflecting film (Rf) for improving utilization of sunlight, the conversion efficiency of FDSSCs was increased from 2.84% to 3.12%. The relative improvement of 218% was achieved in conversion efficiency compared with similar device without TiO2 buffer layer and reflecting film (0.98%). Meanwhile, the Pt CE based on SSM possessed of higher catalytic ability and longer stability compared with ITO/PET-based Pt CE.

TiO2 -ZnO-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells using Natural Sensitizers

The TiO2 –ZnO based composites using natural dyes extracted from Spinach as Chlorophyll by varying composite ratio as 40% wt:60% wt (sample “a”) and 60% wt:40% (sample “b”) were used for fabrication of Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).For the fabrication of PV Cell, AR grade (make Loba, India) chemicals were used for experimentation. The effect of surface morphology composite structure has been studied using XRD characterizations. The structural property of the TiO2 -ZnO film sample “a” shows good behaviour with preferred (103) orientation and “b” with preferred (101) orientation. The UV-Vis spectroscopy, for composite sample “a” recorded in the range from 206 nm to 347 nm, while for sample “b” is between 229 nm to 982 nm. Different PV parameters of the fabricated PV cells were measured at room temperature under incandescent light of 100 W/m2.The fabricated PV cells exhibited ISC 0.46 mA (for Sample “a”) 0.51 mA (for Sample “b”), the VOC is 0.72 V and 0.84 V, with power conversion efficiency of 0.18% and 0.21% for Sample “a” and “b” respectively.

Synthesis and Characterization of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Their Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Reduced graphene oxide has certain unique qualities that make them versatile for a myriad of applications. Unlike graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide is a conductive material and well suited for use in electrically conductive materials, such as solar cell devices. In this study, we report on the synthesis of graphene oxide as well as the fabrication and characterization of dye-sensitized solar cells with a photoanode which is an amalgam of reduced graphene oxide and titanium dioxide. The synthesized reduced graphene oxide and the corresponding photoanode were fully characterized using Ultraviolet-visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman Spectrometry. The morphology of the sample was assessed using Atomic Force Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. The photovoltaic characteristics were determined by photocurrent and photo-voltage measurements of the fabricated solar cells. The electrical impedances of both sets of devices were also evaluated. Overall, the solar to electric power efficiency of the device with reduced graphene oxide was observed to be higher (2.02%) than the device without the reduced graphene oxide (1.61%).