Dye-sensitized Solar Cell Technology Research Articles

Influence of functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole sensitizer on the performance of CdS nanowire based-DSSC applications

Synthesis of chromophore (E)-2-(2-(2-(5-(2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,6-dioxo-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3,5,6 tetrahydropyrrolo [3,4-c] pyrrol-1-yl) thiophen-2-yl) vinyl)-4H-chromen-4 ylidene) malononitrile (DPP-CM-CN) has been designed and achieved in multistep reaction strategy. The experimental, photophysical and electrochemical properties along with theoretical calculations were explored. DPP-CM-CN dye was – chemically anchored on CdS nanowires (NWs) to investigate its influence on the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. Under the illumination of standard sunlight conditions, the photovoltaic performance of DPP-CM-CN based CdS nanowire device displayed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.38 %, which is 3.30 times higher as compared to a bare CdS nanowire (0.115 %) based DSSC device; ascribed to the dye loading time on CdS nanostructures. The present results suggest the potential ability of DPP-CM-CN to enhance DSSC device efficiency and reveal the importance of dye molecules in device fabrication, a key step towards the development of DSSC technology.

Impact of blocking layers based on TiO2 and ZnO prepared via direct current reactive magnetron sputtering on DSSC solar cells

The optimization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) technology towards suppressing charge recombination between the contact and the electron transport layer is a key factor in achieving high conversion efficiency and the successful commercialization of this type of product. An important aspect of the DSSC structure is the front blocking layer (BL): optimizing this component may increase the efficiency of photoelectron transfer from the dye to the semiconductor by reduction charge recombination at the TiO2/electrolyte and FTO/electrolyte interfaces. In this paper, a series of blocking layer variants, based on TiO2 and ZnO:TiO2, were obtained using the reactive magnetron sputtering method. Material composition, structure and layer thickness were referred to each process parameters. Complete DSSCs with structure FTO/BL/m-TiO2@N719/ EL-HSE/Pt/FTO were obtained on such bases. In the final results, verification of opto-electrical parameters of these cells were tested and used for the conclusions on the optimal blocking layer composition. As the conclusion, application of blocking layer consists of neat TiO2 resulted in improvement of device efficiency. It should be noted that for TiO2:ZnO/CuxO and TiO2/CuxO cells, higher efficiencies were also achieved when pure TiO2 was used as window layer. Additionally it was proven that the admixture of ZnO phase inspires Voc and FF growth, but is overall unfavorable compared to pristine TiO2 blocking layer and the reference cell, according to the final cell efficiency.

Indoor photovoltaics: A numerical model of dye-sensitized solar cells based on indoor illumination for the Internet of Things applications

Since dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have a suitable efficiency in the invisible region, they present a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation, particularly in the context of indoor environments where ambient lighting prevails. This paper proposes a novel numerical model tailored to assess the performance of DSSCs under indoor lighting conditions, with a specific focus on their potential application in powering Internet of Things (IoT) devices. By considering factors such as radiation intensity and spectral composition, particularly from common indoor light sources like Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Fluorescent lights, the model offers insights into the efficiency and viability of DSSCs in indoor settings. Since empirical analyses are difficult and expensive, the existence of a numerical model that investigates cell behavior under indoor illumination can be beneficial for developing such cells. In conducting verifying analyses under varying lighting conditions, the study demonstrates notable efficiencies of DSSCs, with LED 3000 K illumination at 1000 lux intensity yielding the highest performance. While DSSCs may appear less economically viable in environments with readily available electricity, their potential significance lies in providing sustainable energy solutions for IoT devices, thus reducing dependency on conventional power sources and contributing to environmental sustainability. The scientific significance of this research lies in its contribution to understanding the behavior of DSSCs under indoor lighting, offering insights into their potential applications in powering IoT devices. By providing a numerical model for evaluating DSSC performance under realistic indoor conditions, this study opens avenues for further research in optimizing DSSC technology for indoor energy harvesting applications, thereby advancing the field of renewable energy and sustainable technology integration.

A DFT study on natural sensitizers with donor-π-acceptor architecture based on 1,7-diazaheptametine for applications in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC)

Nature offers a wide range of organic dyes with potential as sensitizers in DSSC technology. Among them, some natural dyes contain a 1,7-diazaheptamethine system, influencing their chromatic properties. In this investigation, we computationally analyzed 21 natural betalain dyes featuring a common structural moiety through Density Functional Theory calculations. Among them, eight dyes were classified under the betacyanin subfamily, while the remaining thirteen were attributed to the betaxanthin subfamily. These dyes were examined both in isolation and when bound to titanium dioxide (dye@TiO2). The betaxanthin subfamily showed more twisted geometries, while the betacyanin subfamily exhibited a smaller energy gap. All isolated dyes or dyes@TiO2 exhibit maximum absorption peaks within the visible region (350–700 nm), showcasing their light-capturing capacity. Stability, evidenced by negative adsorption energies, suggests the spontaneity of the adsorption process. Furthermore, our results indicate that the nature of bonding significantly influences the electronic properties of dye@TiO2 complexes. Collectively, these results underscore the importance of the 1,7-diazaheptamethine system in imparting color and structure to these dyes. Our thorough analysis, encompassing molecular interactions, geometric attributes—especially the configuration of donor groups—electronic properties, and absorption spectra, provides valuable insights into the potential applications and effectiveness of these dyes for incorporation in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC).

Structural and Optical Characteristics of Multilayer ZnO Nanorod:TiO2 by DC Magnetron Sputtering for Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) Application

The development of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) technology by utilizing various semiconductors has attracted attention. Among all types of semiconductors, the nanostructure of ZnO is selected due to their unique electrical properties and ease of preparation in various morphologies, and it has been considered a promising material to be applied in DSSC. In this research, the DC magnetron sputtering method was used to prepare ZnO thin films as an efficient alternative to press the charge recombination process that occurs in TiO2-based DSSC. Different thicknesses of TiO2 layers on the FTO conductive glass substrate were made through various sputtering deposition times, while the ZnO nanorod layers were made with a single layer using the hydrothermal method. We used XRD, SEM, UV-Vis, I-V meter, and EIS analysis. Based on these characterization we concluded that multilayer ZnO nanorod:TiO2 coating with a sputtering time of 60 minutes resulted the best performance of DSSC with an efficiency of 0.27%.

Hydrazonothiazole dyes for enhanced dye-sensitized solar cells in greenhouse applications: Achieving high power conversion efficiency and long-term stability

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer a cost-effective and attractive alternative to traditional solar cells for greenhouse applications. Hydrazonothiazole dyes (MHS-1-4) have been investigated as a viable DSSC technology, with researchers designing dyes that absorb light in the green region, while transmitting light in the red and blue regions, making them the ideal fit for plant growth. Sensitized devices display impressive power conversion efficiency (PCEs) ranging from 6.27 to 8.85%, with MHS-4 DSSCs achieving an 8.85% power conversion efficiency, a short-circuit photocurrent density of 17.90 mA cm−2, and a maximum incident monochromatic photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 80%. Furthermore, DSSCs based on MHS-4 demonstrate excellent long-term stability, sustaining nearly constant power conversion efficiency after exposure to one-sun illumination for 1000 h. This breakthrough study demonstrates the potential for hydrazonothiazole dyes in DSSCs, marking a significant step forward in the development of cost-effective solar cell technology compatible with plant growth. With MHS-1-4 dyes' ability to effectively convert photoelectric energy throughout the visible range, and even into the near-infrared (NIR) region up to 900 nm, they offer a new benchmark for DSSC technology.

Performance and dye-stability of semi-transparent dye-sensitized solar cell pavilion modules after six years of operation

A solar pavilion with 248 commercial 30 × 30 cm semi-transparent DSC modules were built at Roskilde University campus in 2016. After five years of operation under Danish climate conditions, and again one year later, two representative modules one from the south side and one from the north side of the pavilion facades were removed and their electrical performance relative to new modules was obtained. In addition, the respective dye degradation and triiodide bleaching was investigated. The south oriented module showed a decrease in efficiency of 85% and the north oriented module of 34% after 5 years. The degradation products of the applied ruthenium dye Z907 were typical thermal degradation products in which one or both of the thiocyanate ligands in Z907 had been substituted with the electrolyte components 3-methoxypropionitrile and or iodide. The degree of dye degradation in the south and north oriented modules after five years were 73% and 50% and the I3− concentration decreased 63% and 33%, respectively. The decrease in electrical performance Δη = 16%/year of the south module is within the same magnitude as performance loss of similar large-scale outdoor DSC installations. Such relatively high efficiency losses pr. year needs to be reduced if building integration photovoltaics based on the dye-sensitized solar cell technology should be commercially successful.

Towards low cost and green photovoltaic devices: Using natural photosensitizers and MoS2/Graphene oxide composite counter electrodes

Photovoltaic systems, for example, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), are one of the useful tools for producing renewable and green energy. To develop DSSCs technology, it is necessary to overcome obstacles such as the need for expensive compounds. A series of DSSCs were designed and manufactured based on natural dyes extracted from cornelian cherry, black pomegranate, ruby grape, and tangerine peel as photosensitizers. The performance, structure, and interaction of the prepared extracts were evaluated by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Then, the prepared low-cost green dyes were employed in the preparation of DSSCs. A new MoS2/GO hybrid or composite was also employed instead of platinum. The synthesized MoS2/GO hybrid or composite was evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy and the results illustrated that the desired compound was synthesized successfully. Finally, DSSCs were prepared using MoS2/GO hybrid or composite and compared with that containing platinum. Under same conditions, the DSSCs with MoS2/GO composite illustrated better efficiency than MoS2/GO hybrid. The co-sensitization of Pt-free DSSC based on natural dyes has been studied for the first time in this work, which provides with expanding photovoltaic absorption range.

A thermal framework for preliminary evaluation of the development of dye-sensitized solar cells in temperate and warm climates

Environmental conditions influence the development of solar cell technologies; variables such as solar irradiation, wind speed, and ambient temperature influence the operating temperature of the cells, which affect their electrical performance; however, this effect may differ according to the solar technology. In the case of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs), it is necessary to generate more studies to evaluate their behavior in different types of climates under real conditions, as it is known that, in comparison with Silicon cells, DSSCs show a lower decrease in their efficiency values when are subjected to high operating temperatures. Nevertheless, temperature is cited as the most important external variable affecting the stability of DSSCs. Therefore, in this paper, a new thermal numerical model is proposed to obtain the operating temperature contours of the DSSCs under real environmental conditions for two types of climates representative of Mexico (temperate and warm climate). The operating temperatures have been investigated as a function of solar irradiance, ambient temperature, wind speeds, and varying different electrolytes. It concludes that the efficiency gap between DSSCs and Silicon cells decreases as the operating temperature increases; moreover, an efficiency of 12.2% in DSSCs and 25.09% in Silicon cells were presented with 300 K of operating temperature, and an efficiency of 11.02% in DSSCs and 13.7% in Silicon cells were presented with 400 K of operating temperature. This concludes that DSSC technology might be an appropriate alternative for temperate and hot climates. DSSCs show a decrease in the efficiency of 9.76% compared to Silicon solar cells, which show a decrease in 50.1%.

Circular Design Principles Applied on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In a world with growing demand for resources and a worsening climate crisis, it is imperative to research and put into practice more sustainable and regenerative products and processes. Especially in the energy sector, more sustainable systems that are recyclable, repairable and remanufacturable are needed. One promising technology is dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). They can be manufactured with low energy input and can be made from non-toxic components. More than 70% of the environmental impact of a product is already determined in the design phase of a product, which is why it is essential to implement repair, remanufacturing and recycling concepts into the product design. In this publication, we explore appropriate design principles and business models that can be applied to DSSC technology. To realize this, we applied the concept of Circo Track, a method developed by the Technical University of Delft, to DSSCs and investigated which design concepts and business models are applicable. This method enables companies to transform a product that is disposed of after its useful life into one that can be used for longer and circulates in material cycles. The most important result is the description of a performance-based business model in which DSSCs are integrated into the customer’s building and green energy is provided as a service. During the operational phase, data is collected for product improvement and maintenance, and repair is executed when necessary. When the contract expires, it can be renewed, otherwise the modules are dismantled, reused, remanufactured or recycled.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) decorated MXene as an alternative counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Counter electrodes (CE) layer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are possibly the most exorbitant material due to the presence of scarce earth metal, platinum (Pt). The prospective substitution of a Pt-CE would effectively pave the way for broad commercialization of the DSSC technology. In this regard, this work is focused on the fabrication of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) decorated MXene (PEDOT@Ti3C2Tx) composite electrode, and its performance as a CE in DSSC was tested for the replacement of high-cost Pt-CE. The 2D-Ti3C2Tx was initially synthesized by the selective chemical etching method, followed by the electro-polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer on the Ti3C2Tx surface. Further, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization results confirm the successful formation of the PEDOT@Ti3C2Tx composite. PEDOT@Ti3C2Tx-CE display a strong electrocatalytic activity toward the iodide/triiodide electrolyte and good charge transfer kinetics with low charge transfer resistance close to the performance of the Pt electrode, as shown by electrochemical experiments. On the other hand, further testing of the device fabricated with thermally decomposed Pt-CE DSSCs achieved an efficiency of 8.7% under simulated 1SUN light at AM1.5G, whilst the DSSC built with the as-prepared composite material had 7.12% efficiency under the same conditions. PEDOT@Ti3C2Tx-CE composite DSSC outperformed PEDOT-CE and Ti3C2Tx-CE DSSC in power conversion efficiency improvements (PCE), demonstrating that PEDOT@Ti3C2Tx composite possesses a strong catalytic activity with noticeable charge transfer and mass transport capabilities. Therefore, the as-fabricated composite film takes utilization of the conductivity and electrocatalytic capabilities of the two components, increasing the overall power conversion efficiency of DSSC. The 15-days stability investigation demonstrates that the PEDOT@Ti3C2Tx-CE-based DSSC exhibits a consistent performance and corrosion resistant toward the iodide/triiodide redox electrolyte. Therefore, overall performance level of the PEDOT@Ti3C2Tx-CE thus entices more study for the replacement of Pt in DSSC and is indeed evinced to be a prospective noble metal electrode contender.

N719 dye as a sensitizer for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs): A review of its functions and certain rudimentary principles

AbstractNew technologies need environmental and economic cooperation. Energy consumption is fundamental to human survival, making sustainable development imperative. When discussing energy production, renewable resources such as solar and wind energy are chosen to satisfy future demands. Solar energy is frequently used owing to its availability and several benefits. Though more efficient, silicon solar cells are poisonous and expensive. In comparison to other PV cells, the dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have several benefits, such as easily accessible materials, low‐cost production processes, simple processing and exceptional diffuse light performance. DSSCs are more reliable alternative to many photovoltaic systems, including hybrid solar cells, inorganic, and organic. DSSCs technology characteristically be influenced by on photosensitizer, electrolyte, and the metal oxide semiconductor. Significant enhancement in cell efficiency has been ranges reach to 12%, using Ru (II) dyes by enhancing substantial besides essential characterization. The dye, that is acting as a source of photoexcited electrons, is the most significant component of a DSSC. This brief review highlights and discusses a summary of the ongoing research made to assist optimization under using N719 dye for DSSC devices.

Synthesis of rGO-CoMoS composite using hydrothermal method as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC)

Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) technology is a good choice to convert sun energy into electrical energy, because of its low cost fabrication. One of the main components of the DSSC is the counter electrode, which is generally Pt based, while Pt is expensive and rare material, so replacement for Pt is needed. The rGO-CoMoS composite is a potential one. rGO was prepared from graphite which was oxidized by the hummer method. rGO-CoMoS was synthesized from GO, Cobalt, Molybdenum, and thiourea using a hydrothermal reaction at 200 oC, with various reaction times for 12, 24, and 36 hours. Time variation is done because the reaction time affects the character of the composite formed. The results of the synthesis were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to prove that the synthesis was successful. Then the composite was coated on FTO glass to become a counter electrode, and sandwich fabricated with the arrangement of FTO/TiO2-N3-I−/I3 −-rGO-CoMoS/FTO. Then tested the current and voltage with Keithley to determine its efficiency as a DSSC. And the material that produces the best efficiency is rGO-CoMoS 36 with efficiency 0.00413%.

Synthesis and photocurrent density–photovoltage (J–V) characterization of a novel alizarin derivative dye for dye-sensitized solar cell technology

Dye-sensitized solar cells technology has attracted extensive academic scholars’ interests due to their potential low-cost solar energy harvesting. Increasing performance of dye-sensitized solar cell needs more efficient dye to maximize solar energy absorption. This work presents the synthesis and J–V characterization studies for a novel alizarin derivative dye HDD. The dye was formed by the reaction between brominated alizarin and 5-hexyl-2-thiopheneboronic acid pinacol ester. The final dye product was successfully synthesized as brownish-orange solid. Characterization of the synthesized dye was done using spectroscopic techniques; mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance before photovoltaic performance investigation. The dye was found to be useful as photo-sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cell through calculation of conversion efficiency. Generally, the dye HDD showed better results in terms of photovoltaic properties with open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density and fill factor of 0.65 V, 0.0146 A/cm2 and 0.612, respectively. The conversion efficiency of the cell using the synthesized dye HDD was found to be 5.81% under 100 mW/cm2 solar illuminations.

Advances on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) Nanostructures and Natural Colorants: A Review

Human beings are attempting to take advantage of renewable natural resources by using solar cells. These devices take the sun’s radiation and convert it into electrical energy. The issue with traditional silicon-based solar cells is their manufacturing costs and environmental problems. For this reason, alternatives have been developed within the solar cell field. One of these alternatives is the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), also known as Grätzel solar cells. DSSCs are a type of solar cell that mimics photosynthesis. They have a photoanode, which is formed by a semiconductor film sensitized with a dye. Some of their advantages include low-cost manufacturing, eco-friendly materials use, and suitability for most environments. This review discusses four important aspects, with two related to the dye, which can be natural or synthetic. Herein, only natural dyes and their extraction methods were selected. On the other hand, this paper discusses the nanostructures used for DSSCs, the TiO2 nanostructure being the most reported; it recently reached an efficiency level of 10.3%. Finally, a review on the novelties in DSSCs technology is presented, where it is observed that the use of Catrin protein (cow brain) shows 1.45% of efficiency, which is significantly lower if compared to Ag nanoparticles doped with graphene that report 9.9% efficiency.

Stable Semi-Transparent Dye-Sensitized Solar Modules and Panels for Greenhouse Application

Our world is facing an environmental crisis that is driving scientists to research green and smart solutions in terms of the use of renewable energy sources and low polluting technologies. In this framework, photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most worthy of interest. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are innovative PV devices known for their encouraging features of low cost and easy fabrication, good response to diffuse light and colour tunability. All these features make DSSCs technology suitable for being applied to the so-called agrovoltaic field, taking into account their dual role of filtering light and supporting energy needs. In this project, we used 40 DSSC Z-series connected modules with the aim of combining the devices’ high conversion efficiency, transparency and robustness in order to test them in a greenhouse. A maximum conversion efficiency of 3.9% on a 221 cm2 active area was achieved with a transparency in the module’s aperture (312.9 cm2) area of 35%. Moreover, different modules were stressed at two different temperature conditions, 60 °C and 85 °C, and under light soaking at the maximum power point, showing a strong and robust stability for 1000 h. We assembled the fabricated modules to form ten panels to filter the light from the roof of the greenhouse. We carried out panel measurements in outdoor and greenhouse environments in both sunny and cloudy conditions to find clear trends in efficiency behaviour. A maximum panel efficiency in outdoor conditions of 3.83% was obtained in clear and sunny sky conditions.

Increased efficiency and stability of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) photoanode by intercalation of Eosin Y into Zn/Al layered double hydroxide

Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) are versatile materials that can be applied to different fields. Recently their employment in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) technology has been reported. The heart of this technology is the photoanode, a semiconductor layer sensitized with dye molecules able to absorb the sunlight. However, the traditional dye molecules are quite expensive and sensitive to thermal degradation and the sensitization process requires time and costs. The possibility to directly intercalate the dye in the LDH interlayer makes these materials very promising as innovative photoanodes. This aspect in fact would help to reduce both the time and the costs, overcome charge-transfer and recombination phenomena issues and finally increase the Photo-Conversion Efficiency (PCE) and stability. In this work, an Eosin Y-intercalated ZnAl LDH was prepared by coprecipitation and applied as photoanode material. For this purpose, a screen-printing ink was formulated and then applied onto a conductive transparent substrate. Then, complete DSSC prototypes were assembled and tested. A comparison with an analogous LDH intercalated with terephthalate and sensitized with Eosin Y showed a beneficial effect due to the presence of the dye intercalated in the structure rather than adsorbed on the surface, increasing the stability (tested for 1500 h) and efficiency of the related DSSCs. A 0.11 mA cm−2 of JSC, 568 mV of VOC and a PCE of 0.019% were obtained for the Eosin Y intercalated LDH based photoanode. Moreover, the interaction between the intercalated dye and the LDH sheets allowed to reduce charge recombination phenomena and thus to increase VOC and PCE values.

A Photophysical Study of Electronic Transfer from Battery Active Materials to an Organic Dye: Towards Developing an Operating Photobattery

Intensive efforts are currently dedicated towards developing devices that can convert and store renewable energy that is derived from renewable sources. These are to address the current global energy consumption needs and reduce the carbon footprint that is associated with the use of primary non-renewable energy resources. Indeed, many of these approaches are promising for reducing energy inequalities. The also have the benefit of mitigating greenhouse emissions. Within this context, solar energy is among one of the best suited candidates to address the global energy needs in a sustainable manner. It is also an attractive energy source because of its widespread availability. A major challenge of using solar energy is that it must be stored for use during periods when there is no sun. Devices are therefore required to convert, store, and deliver the stored energy during dark periods.To address the energy storage needs, lithium-ion batteries have been successfully coupled to solar cells such as silica based photovoltaic panels. Indeed, lithium-ion batteries are suitable candidates because they are a proven technology that offers a high energy density along with a long cycle life. Furthermore, they are ideal for portable applications such as photobatteries. These are energy capturing and storage devices that combine a light harvesting solar cell with an energy storing battery. The collective efforts of our research groups have focused on developing a single device that can collectively harvest the sun light energy and store it courtesy of redox reactions that are specific to a battery. Our approach involves merging dye-sensitized solar cell technology (DSSC) with a proven lithium ion battery to ultimately make an all-in-one device. Towards this end, we investigated an organic dye as the light harvesting component. The given dye was selected because it satisfies many of the physical and electrochemical requirements for its use in the combined photobattery. Of importance, is the dye’s photophysical properties. It broadly absorbs in the visible spectrum, it is capable of being reduced by the battery’s electroactive component upon light absorption, it exhibits a high degree of colorfast, and it is photostable.While the organic dye in principle possesses the required properties that are suited for its use as the light harvesting component of the photobattery, its role as a photoactive layer has not been experimentally validated. Both the photophysical and electrochemical properties of the dye under device-like conditions must therefore be evaluated. To confirm the concept, the capacity of the organic dye to undergo the required electron transfer from the lithium active compound of the battery upon photoexcitation was therefore evaluated. Systematic studies of both steady-state and time-resolved emission quenching measurements will be presented. These will be complemented with transient absorption spectroscopy measurements. It will then be presented that the spectroscopic studies provide sound evidence for electron transfer between the constitutional “solar” and “battery” components, laying the experimental groundwork for an all-in-one photobattery. Step-wise electrochemical studies such as galvanostatic cycling in the presence of the dye using various photo-cathode architectures, and post-cycling chemical analyses on the different photoactive and battery components will also be presented. The photophysical and electrochemical studies will provide sound evidence that both the photoactive and batteries technologies can be successfully merged. It will further be presented that conventional solvents in batteries can be replaced with environmentally benign water. The combined aqueous photobattery is expected to have a positive ecological impact both in terms of using sustainable means for energy harvesting/storage and the constitution components used for assembling the device.

Combining tech mining and semantic TRIZ for technology assessment: Dye-sensitized solar cell as a case

In a competitive business environment, an early understanding of the dynamics of technological change is crucial to help policymakers and managers make better-informed decisions. Bibliometric analyses help in studying trends and technological evolution. Tech mining (text analyses of science and technology information resources) enhances Bibliometric analyses. However, more often than not, such analyses focus on a specific technological area, and mainly result in incremental advance forecasts. An analysis of the interconnected dynamics of technology change warrants new approaches for identifying technology emergence, technological substitution, and the influences of vital socioeconomic forces. This paper introduces a unique combination that applies a tech mining and semantic TRIZ as a case study to Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) technology. This methodological combination brings broader insights to the emergence of DSSC in conjunction with related technologies that affect its progress, enriching the associated technological progression's empirical characterization.

Natural rubber (Hevea Brasiliensis)-based quasi-solid electrolyte as a potential candidate for arresting recombination and improving performance in aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells

We successfully fabricated dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) employing a quasi-solid state electrolyte based on pristine insulator natural rubber latex from Hevea brasiliensis and iodide electrolyte. Optimized devices exhibited a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.14% under simulated sunlight with 90 mW/cm2 illumination, 0.46% under 100 mW/cm2 and 7.85% under low intensity illumination of 1000 lx (Daylight LED). This gives a new perspective for the introduction of natural rubber latex abundant in nature as an additive to the water based redox mediator in order to improve the PCE in DSSC. A detailed study on the interfacial charge transfer in fabricated devices revealed that the introduction of rubber helped in arresting the back electron transfer, which was predominant in aqueous electrolyte based dye sensitized solar cell. This opens up opportunities for water-based electrolyte based on natural raw materials to be used in nature inspired DSSC technology.