Performance Of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Enhancing photovoltaic performance of monolithic dye-sensitized solar cells through green-synthesized CuO–FeO nanocomposite counter electrodes

To enhance monolithic dye-sensitized solar cell’s (MDSSC) photovoltaic performance, the nanoparticles and nanocomposite of green-synthesized copper oxide (CuO) and iron oxide (FeO) were effectively generated and inserted into nanoporous carbon counter electrode in this research. XRD studies carried out showed that the produced nanoparticles and nanocomposite were crystalline in nature. Furthermore, the possible chemical linkages that might be in charge of the nanoparticle generation were found using FTIR studies. Between 290 and 600 nm, the nanoparticles and nanocomposite showed optical absorption. Rod-like features were visible in the synthesized CuO–FeO nanocomposite's FE-SEM images. As a result, with 5.2% conversion efficiency, the CuO–FeO nanocomposite-based MDSSC performed better than any of the cells made using CuO and FeO nanoparticles alone.

Optimizing Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) Performance through Synergistic Natural Dye Combinations from <i>Beta vulgaris</i> L., <i>Curcuma longa</i> L., and <i>Pandanus amaryllifolius</i>

This study optimizes dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performance using a combination of natural dye components extracted from Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot), Curcuma longa L. (turmeric), and Pandanus amaryllifolius (pandanus leaf). These plants were selected for their natural pigments—betacyanin, curcuminoids, and chlorophyll—which potentially act as DSSC sensitizers. Dyes were extracted via maceration with ethanol solvent (1:6 sample:solvent ratio) for 24 h. Filtrates were combined in various ratios to test DSSC performance. The optimal C4 dye combination, with a 2:1:1 ratio (betacyanin:curcumin:chlorophyll), demonstrated the best performance. The UV-vis analysis revealed complex interactions and synergistic effects among dye combinations, characterized by increased light absorption in the 400–700 nm range. Cyclic voltammetry analysis showed favorable energy band gap values, confirming the pigments' suitability for DSSC applications. FTIR analysis confirmed the stable coexistence of the three dyes without new bond formation. Photovoltaic performance testing showed the C4 three-dye combination achieved the highest energy conversion efficiency of 3.57%. These results demonstrate the potential of this dye combination to contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient solar energy conversion in DSSCs.

Facile hydrothermal synthesis of Cu doped MoS2 nanoparticles for enhanced dye-sensitized solar cell performance

This study presents a facile, scalable, and cost-effective hydrothermal method for synthesizing Cu doped MoS2 nanoparticles as efficient counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). MoS2 nanoparticles were doped with Cu at 5 and 10 mol% concentrations. The structural, morphological, and optoelectronic properties of the synthesized MoS2:Cu nanoparticles were systematically characterized using a suite of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. DSSCs were fabricated using pure MoS2, MoS2@Cu 5 mol%, and MoS2@Cu 10 mol% as counter electrodes, and their photovoltaic performance was evaluated. The DSSC with pure MoS2 counter electrode exhibited a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 11.02 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.70 V, a fill factor (FF) of 70 %, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.39 %. The MoS2@Cu 5 mol% electrode demonstrated enhanced performance with Jsc = 13.04 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.71 V, FF = 72 %, and PCE = 6.55 %. Notably, the MoS2@Cu 10 mol% electrode exhibited superior performance, achieving Jsc = 14.09 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.73 V, FF = 81 %, and a remarkable PCE of 8.12 %. This significant enhancement in photovoltaic parameters is attributed to the improved photovoltaic performance and charge transport properties of the Cu doped MoS2 nanoparticles. Our findings demonstrate the potential of Cu-doped MoS2 as an effective and low-cost alternative to conventional counter electrode materials in DSSCs, paving the way for further optimization and scalable production of high-efficiency solar cells.

Strategic additive selection for advancing photovoltaic performance of liquid-electrolyte dye-sensitized solar cells

In this work, we report on the performance enhancement of liquid-electrolyte dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) achieved by the judicious selection of additives. These include copper(I) iodide (CuI), 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ), bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) cobalt(II) (CoCp2), and poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroehtylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)). Our investigation centers on the influence of these additives on photovoltaic parameters, with a particular emphasis on their ability to modulate ionic conductivity and the electrochemical behavior within iodine/iodide-based electrolytes. We discovered that each additive markedly increases the open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), and thus, the power-conversion-efficiency (PCE) of the DSSCs. These results indicate that the strategic use of additive engineering can be powerful approach to systematically enhance the energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs.

Enhance the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells with effective compact layers and direct contact cell structure

Compact layers (CLs) characterized by dense structures play a crucial role in enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Previous studies focus on preparing CLs using a single precursor through one-step methods. In this study, the new CLs are prepared by sequentially depositing films using titanium tetrachloride and titanium diisopropoxide bis(acetylacetonate) via chemical bath deposition and spray pyrolysis, respectively. Scanning electron microscope images show that the resulting CL has a denser structure compared to those prepared by one-step methods. Moreover, electrochemical impedance analysis indicates that they can efficiently inhibit charge recombination at the interface, leading to higher PCE. Furthermore, when the CL and direct contact (DC) structure are applied simultaneously to fabricate the DSSCs using Y123 dye and Co2+/3+ electrolyte, efficiencies of 9.86 % and 24.74 % can be obtained respectively, under one-sun and room light conditions (200 lx). Additionally, tandem cells using the DC structure for both top and bottom cells can achieve an efficiency of 29.68 % under room light illumination of 200 lx.

The effect of the introduction of internal acceptor and the variation of π-spacer groups in carbazole-based organic dyes on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells: a DFT study

The effect of the introduction of internal acceptor and the variation of π-spacer groups in carbazole-based organic dyes on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells: a DFT study

Enhanced performance of Mg and La co-doped TiO2(98%)−ZrO2(2%) photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract This study explores the effects of magnesium (Mg) and lanthanum (La) doping on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) utilizing TiO2(98%)−ZrO2(2%) (TZ, TZM, and TZL) photoanodes. The photoanodes were fabricated using a spin-coating sol–gel method, followed by calcination at 400°C. The structural, morphological, crystallographic, and optical properties of the proposed photoanode composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The crystallite sizes of the synthesized thin films varied from 21.16 to 59.04 nm for the TZ, TZM, and TZL compositions. The current–voltage measurements of DSSCs based on TZL8 photoanode, cobalt sulfide-doped graphene counter electrode, and N719 dye revealed the highest efficiency of nearly 5.052%. The assembled DSSCs exhibited an open-circuit voltage of 0.74 V, a short-circuit current density of 9.964 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.685. The enhancement in open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density could be attributed to the improved electronic and microstructures of the proposed photoanodes.

Looped In Lupus-An Unusual Manifestation

The efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) heavily relies on the structural and morphological characteristics of the photoanode materials [1]. This study investigates the effects of Nitrogen on TiO2 and the subsequent anchoring with two different Azo dyes RP and VC, to evaluate their impact on DSSC performance [2]. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to study the surface morphology of pure TiO2, Nitrogen TiO2 (N-TiO2), and N-TiO2 composites with RP and VC Azo dyes [3]. Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) provided insight into the elemental composition and confirmed the successful incorporation of nitrogen into the TiO2 structure. The SEM images reveal significant morphological differences between the pure and N-TiO2 samples, as well as changes induced by the azo dye anchoring [4]. The Nitrogen incorporation was found to increase surface roughness and enhance dye adsorption [5]. A comparative analysis of the N-TiO2 composite with RP and VC azo dyes highlights variations in dye distribution and surface coverage, which may influence light absorption and charge transfer efficiency. The findings provide valuable insights into the design of optimized photoanode materials, aiming to improve the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs [6].

Enhancing photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells through TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite photoanodes for improved charge carrier management

This study explores the enhancement of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) through the modification of porous TiO2 photoanodes by incorporating two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) synthesized from urea. The combination of wide-bandgap TiO2 with narrow-bandgap g-C₃N₄ extends the optical response range of the TiO2 heterostructure composites from ultraviolet to visible light. The introduction of g-C3N4 with TiO2 to form a heterojunction significantly boosts the photovoltaic performance of the device by minimizing charge recombination at the photoanode-electrolyte interface. Upon optimizing the g-C3N4 loading, a peak power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.79 % is achieved, representing an impressive 42 % improvement over the pristine TiO2-based device. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers, facilitated by the type II band alignment between g-C3N4 and TiO2. This alignment, enabled by favorable conduction and valence band offsets, accelerates the separation of photogenerated carriers and prolongs electron lifetime.

Design and predict the potential of imidazole-based organic dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells using fingerprint machine learning and supported by a web application

This scientific paper presents a novel approach to explore and predict the potential of imidazole-based organic dyes for use in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) using a machine learning web application. The design of efficient and cost-effective organic dyes is critical to enhance the performance of DSSCs. Traditional experimental methods are time-consuming and resource-intensive, making it challenging to screen a large number of potential dyes. In this study, we propose a machine learning-based approach to accelerate the discovery process by predicting the photovoltaic performance of imidazole-based organic dyes. Machin learning predictions provide valuable insights into the expected PCE% and behaviors of the molecules toward DSSCs. Based on the RDKit library, several fingerprints such as Molecular ACCess System, Avalon, Daylight, Pharmacophore and Morgan with different radius (r2, r3, r4), were studied. In addition, more than 20 ML algorithms using different cross validation (3, 5, 7, 10) were also evaluated. Among of these, Deep Neural Network models of MLPRegressor algorithm based on the daylight fingerprint shows a significant coefficient of determination combined with the lowest errors. Utilize the trained ML models to screen of 50 million SMILE structure for identify promising imidazole and nitrogen-containing derivative as a doner group. By replacing the donor groups in the well-known MK2 dye structure with the top imidazole derivatives proposed by machine learning, significant improvements in PCE were observed, increasing from 7.70% to as high as 11.49%, representing nearly a 50% enhancement over the control. DFT calculations confirm the ML predictions and clarify the significantly higher oscillator strength and charge transfer properties of MK2-DM1, compared to MK2. This result provides a promising pathway for developing new dye materials that can push the efficiency limits of DSSCs, leading to more efficient solar energy conversion technologies in the future. In addition, a developed web application offers a user-friendly interface for researchers to input their molecular structures and obtain PCE% predictions toward DSSCs. This information can guide researchers in designing a new imidazole dye with high photovoltaic performance to validate and refine the predictions without time consuming.

Eco-friendly synthesis of Nd³⁺-doped Eu₂O₃ nanoparticles for enhanced dye-sensitized solar cells utilizing oxalis Corniculata leaf extract

An environmentally friendly synthesis of Nd³⁺-doped Eu₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) was developed using Oxalis Corniculata leaf (OCL) extract to enhance the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The as-synthesized NPs were annealed at 600 °C to improve their crystallinity. X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed high crystallinity and a sub-100 nm spherical morphology. Annealing reduced the NP size from ∼85 nm to ∼45 nm and decreased the bandgap from 4.97 eV to 4.62 eV, enhancing low-energy photon absorption. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed changes in the chemical bonding environment, with a higher presence of dangling bonds in the as-prepared NPs compared to the 600 °C-annealed NPs, likely due to the OCL extract. Photoluminescence spectra confirmed strong red emission peaks at 580 nm and 612 nm, with a slight reduction in the full width at half maximum of the electric dipole transition after annealing. Integrating these NPs into TiO₂ matrices in DSSCs improved power conversion efficiency to 8.58%, outperforming both as-prepared NPs (6.88%) and bare TiO₂ cells (5.05%). This green synthesis approach offers a sustainable pathway for slightly enhancing performance of photovoltaic devices, with additional potential for UV-shielding applications when incorporated into PVA films.

Performance of dye-sensitized solar cells of perovskite sodium bismuth titanate layer and studying the effect of Fe-doped on the photovoltaic properties

Performance of dye-sensitized solar cells of perovskite sodium bismuth titanate layer and studying the effect of Fe-doped on the photovoltaic properties

Enhancement effect of biomass-derived Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) on the performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)

Corn stover, an agricultural waste, was used to prepare nitrogen self-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) through a simple hydrothermal method with only water at near room temperature for the first time. The surface, electrochemical, and photovoltaic characteristics of CQDs doped TiO2 in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were thoroughly and systematically examined. The average diameter of blue-fluorescence CQDs measured by a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) was 4.63 ± 0.87 nm, which consisted of polar functional groups. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of the biomass-derived CQDs, determined by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) test, were, −5.48 eV and −3.89 eV, respectively. The negative shift of flat band potential (Vfb) in CQDs incorporated photoanode implies the fermi level shifted upward. Experimental results revealed that the improved performance of DSSCs was due to charge transport enhancement and separation, which resulted in the improved energy level configuration between TiO2, CQDs, and electrolytes. In this regard, the CQDs serve as a mediator that enables charge carrier transport without hindrance. In this study, CQDs added to TiO2 + N719, increased short circuit current density (JSC) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) value by ∼26.00 % (10.13 to 12.69 mA/cm2) and 27.20 % (4.78 % to 6.08 %), respectively.

Enhanced performance of novel green synthesized CuS nanostructures decorated with Rh and Pd nanoparticles for energy generation and gas sensing applications

This article investigates the utilization of copper sulfide (CuS) based nanomaterials functionalized with rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles for gas sensing and energy generation applications. CuS nanoparticles, known for their unique properties, were combined with Rh and Pd nanoparticles to enhance hydrogen (H2) gas sensing capabilities. Gas sensing experiments revealed that CuS/Rh/Pd nanocomposites exhibited the highest sensing response of 58.33 % to H2, indicating the significant improvement in gas sensing properties due to the combined presence of Rh and Pd nanoparticles in CuS matrices. Moreover, temperature-dependent responses provided insights into optimal operating conditions for effective gas sensing with CuS-based nanocomposites. Comprehensive characterization studies including XPS, Raman, and morphology analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of CuS/Rh/Pd nanomaterials with high purity and desirable structural properties. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performance studies demonstrated that CuS/Rh/Pd nanocomposites enhanced the efficiency by minimizing light over-absorption and improving photoanode stability. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of metal nanoparticle-decorated CuS nanocomposites for advanced gas sensing and energy generation applications, paving the way for the development of highly sensitive and efficient gas sensors and solar energy conversion technologies.

Enhancing quasi solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell performance using mixed-polymer gel electrolytes: the influence of low and high molar weight polymers

Enhancing quasi solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell performance using mixed-polymer gel electrolytes: the influence of low and high molar weight polymers

Navigating the Frontier Role of Electrolyte Interfaces in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Technology

Recent advances in solar cell technology have been motivated by new materials and inventive engineering techniques. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are becoming more widely recognized as a possible alternative for sustainable energy. Optimizing electrolytes is one of the most important variables impacting their effectiveness and durability. The electrolyte interface is critical to optimize charge separation, ion transport, and diffusion ensuring device stability and efficiency. The present investigation focuses on enhancing interface stability and investigating innovative electrolyte compositions to improve DSSC performance for sustainability in solar energy applications. Despite progress, obstacles remain in presenting core principles and research approaches in DSSC technology. Continued research is required to overcome these limitations and fully realize the potential of DSSCs in sustainable energy solutions.

Enhanced Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Nitrogen-Titanium Dioxide Composites and Optimized Azo Dye Mixtures

In response to the increasing global energy demand, developing cost-effective and reliable renewable energy sources is crucial. Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative due to their low production cost, flexibility, and capability to operate under diffuse sunlight. This study aims to enhance the efficiency of DSSCs by incorporating Nitrogen-Titanium Dioxide (N-TiO2) composites synthesized via the Sol-Gel method [1]. The DSSCs were constructed using N-TiO2 composites in conjunction with VC, RP, and RM azo dyes. Nitrogen in the TiO2 matrix effectively reduced the band gap, leading to improved light absorption. The presence of Nitrogen dopants is expected to introduce additional energy levels within the TiO2 bandgap, enhancing light absorption and charge carrier separation, which are crucial factors for improved DSSC performance [2,3]. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the DSSCs revealed significant variations in key performance metrics, including short circuit current (Isc), fill factor, and power conversion efficiency. Specifically, DSSCs utilizing N-TiO2 with VC-RP dye mixture achieved a higher efficiency of 0.349%, an Isc of 0.85 mA, and a fill factor of 44.59%, with Rs and Rsh values of 328.13Ω and 1637.18Ω, respectively [4]. These results underscore the potential of N-TiO2 composites, particularly when paired with optimized dye mixtures, to significantly enhance the electronic properties and overall efficiency of DSSCs.

Multi-synergy enabling Ni-doped MoS2@N-doped carbon composite as versatile catalysts toward hydrogen production and photovoltaics

Construction of efficient non-precious catalyst with desired chemical composition and well-defined nanostructure is of great essential to enhance the kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and triiodide (I3−) reduction reaction (IRR), which is conducive to promote the development of green hydrogen production and obtain impressive photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, ZIF-8 derived N-doped carbon (NC) wrapped with two-dimensional Ni-doped MoS2 nanosheets (Ni–MoS2@NC) are elaborately designed. The catalytic activity of Ni–MoS2@NC for HER and IRR are significantly improved by modifying electronic structure through heteroatom doping. The optimized Ni–MoS2@NC has lower overpotential of 122 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in comparison with counterpart. Meanwhile, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs based on Ni–MoS2@NC CE catalyst is comparable to that of Pt. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation is used to unveil the mechanism of Ni–MoS2@NC for alkaline HER and IRR, namely, the multi-synergy of various sites endows Ni–MoS2@NC with appropriate Gibbs free energy for H∗ adsorption and water dissociation energy, while the top and interfacial S sites of Ni–MoS2@NC are responsible for the adsorption and activation of I3−. Our work provides a feasible route to design efficient catalysts in the field of energy conversion and understand mechanism.

Designing ferrocenyl thiophene chalcones as light harvester candidates for dye-sensitized solar cells

In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the dye (or photosensitizer) plays a crucial role. It absorbs light and generates electrons, which affects the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity. While Ru(II)-based dyes are common in DSSCs, their scarcity, susceptibility to degradation, and limited absorption range pose challenges for wider adoption. Three new ferrocenyl-thiophene compounds have been synthesized, all sharing the same core structure, but the distinctive difference is the existence of methyl group (CH3) and bromine (Br) substituents attached to the thiophene ring. Using the structures obtained from spectroscopic and X-ray crystallography analyzes, the chemical reactivity of these compounds is theoretically evaluated. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to investigate the redox properties and electron transport mechanisms of the material. The bromination process demonstrates its efficacy for dye applications, while the methyl attachment to the thiophene ring enhances anchoring toward TiO₂, contributing to improved performance in DSSCs. Overall, the compound featuring bromine exhibited a lower band gap compared to the others, resulting in higher efficiency in solar simulation analysis, nearly double that of the methyl-containing compound, and significantly surpassing the plain thiophene compound. EIS analysis revealed that, among the three ferrocenyl chalcone dyes, the bromine-containing compound exhibited the highest charge recombination resistance and longest electron lifetime.

Exploring the potential of SnSe/PANi composite counter electrodes for improved efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

This paper investigates the synthesis and characterization of novel counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), focusing on composite polyaniline (PANi) nanofibers integrated with tin selenide (SnSe). Three CEs, namely SnSe, PANi, and their composite, were prepared via facile hydrothermal and cyclic voltammetry methods and compared with a standard platinum (Pt) CE. The efficiencies obtained were 4.20 %, 5.63 %, 8.39 %, and 7.72 % for SnSe, PANi, SnSe/PANi, and Pt CEs, respectively. The improved efficiencies, particularly in the case of the SnSe/PANi composite, were attributed to increased short-circuit density of the composite sample. The materials and devices prepared in this study are characterized using various methods including FESEM, TEM, XRD, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, EIS, Tafel, OCVD, IPCE and etc to support our proposed CE structure. Our findings demonstrate the promising potential of SnSe/PANi composite CEs in enhancing the performance and affordability of DSSCs.