Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Analysis of nickel oxide as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells using OghmaNano software

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), a promising green technology, convert solar energy into electricity more cost-effectively than traditional solar cells. While platinum (Pt) is commonly used in DSSCs, its high cost and toxicity limit practical applications. Recent research aims to develop low-cost counter electrodes with high efficiency. Nickel oxide (NiO), a p-type semiconductor with a wide bandgap, good transmittance, and suitable work function, emerges as a potential alternative for counter electrode of DSSCs. In this work, DSSCs with NiO of thicknesses varying from 100 nm to 1000 nm were simulated to determine its influence on photovoltaic performance using OghmaNano software. The structure of simulated solar cells consists of NiO as counter electrode, zinc oxide (ZnO) as photoanode, N719 as dyes, electrolyte as charge carrier transport, and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) as a contact layer. There are five data of NiO used as an active layer. From the simulation results, NiO-doped gold exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.95% at a thickness of 700 nm, while pure NiO shows the lowest PCE with 4.53% at a thickness of 600 nm. These results have demonstrated that NiO can replace Pt as a counter electrode for DSSCs and doping plays a vital role in increasing efficiency.

Towards sustainable solar cells: unveiling the latest developments in bio-nano materials for enhanced DSSC efficiency

Abstract Fossil fuels—instrumental in powering the nineteenth-century Industrial Revolution—are now under heightened scrutiny due to environmental concerns and carbon emissions. Consequently, there is a global impetus towards achieving carbon-neutral energy production, with solar energy emerging as a cornerstone in this transition. Over the past three decades, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have gained increasing prominence due to their unique advantages. This review elucidates several crucial elements essential to DSSC construction, notably bio-nano materials, prized for their structural flexibility, cost-effectiveness and high molar absorption coefficient. It delves into the intricate relationship between molecular structure and DSSC performance, showcasing significant advancements with light-to-power conversion efficiencies reaching 11%. A comprehensive analysis of the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs utilizing bio-nano-based dyes offers invaluable insights into the state of this rapidly evolving industry. Key components under scrutiny include transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers, physical techniques for metal oxide deposition onto TCO thin films, diverse dye variants and foundational knowledge of components ripe for growth and enhancement. Moreover, the review outlines the latest breakthroughs in the field, providing glimpses into the current status of prototype DSSCs.

Improving effects of 1-naphthalenetic acid (NAA) as a co-adsorbent on photovoltaic parameters of dye-sensitized solar cells

Improving effects of 1-naphthalenetic acid (NAA) as a co-adsorbent on photovoltaic parameters of dye-sensitized solar cells

Fabrication and Enhanced Performance Evaluation of TiO2@Zn/Al-LDH for DSSC Application: The Influence of Post-Processing Temperature

A sequence of dye-sensitized solar cells is proposed, utilizing TiO2@Zn/Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) as their starting materials, in which Ruthenizer N719 was used as a photon absorber. The anticipated system was turned into sheet-like TiO2@mixed metal oxide (MMO) via post-processing treatment. The crystal quality indicated a relation to power conversion efficiency (PCE); this was combined with a comparable morphology profile. In detail, the optimum DSSC device exhibited average sheet-like thickness and a dye loading amount of 43.11 nm and 4.28 ×10−3 mM/cm−2, respectively. Concurrently, a considerable PCE enhancement of the optimum DSSC device (TiO2@MMO-550°) was attained compared to pristine MMO (0.91%), which could be due to boosted electron transfer efficiency. Of the fabricated devices, DSSC fabricated at 550° exhibited the highest PCE (1.91%), with a 35.6% enhancement compared to that obtained at 450°, as a result of its increased open-circuit voltage (3.29 mA/cm2) and short-circuit current (0.81 V). The proposed work delivers an enhanced efficiency as compared to similar geometries.

Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance with BaTiO3/MWCNTs Composite Photoelectrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted renewed research interest as a potential low-cost substitute for conventional silicon photovoltaics. This work aims to improve the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs by incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into the BaTiO3 photoelectrode. The pure BaTiO3 and BaTiO3/MWCNT nanocomposites were sensitized with N719 dye and fabricated into solar cell devices for testing. The structural characterization confirmed the successful formation of the nanocomposite with an optimal dispersion at 6% of MWCNT incorporation, beyond which agglomeration effects manifested. The optical analysis verified the modulation of defect states and bandgap engineering induced by the MWCNT network. The morphological studies revealed irregular nanoparticle clusters with embedded nanotubes. Solar cell testing under AM1.5G-simulated sunlight demonstrated a peak power conversion efficiency of 4.044% for 6% of MWCNT doping, constituting a 6-fold increment versus pure BaTiO3 (0.693%). It originated from the simultaneous enhancements in the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current enabled by the favorable band structure alterations and percolation-assisted charge transport. However, further increasing MWCNT content deteriorated the device metrics, owing to emerging limitations like trapping. The rational integration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with lead-free ferroelectric metal oxides can contribute to the development of emerging organic-inorganic hybrid solar platforms.

Smart materials for sustainable energy

In the new era of technologies, different smart or responsive materials are used which can respond to external stimuli, such as a specific amount of mechanical stress, pressure, temperature, pH, or sunlight radiations, by modifying their shape or dimensions or mechanical properties. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more erratic and severe. The risk to communities with energy-passive structures is growing, smart materials such as smart rooftops, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, pyroelectrics, chromoactive, photoluminescent, as well as other innovations, help to conserve renewable energy smartly and sustainably. This review paper reflects on the applications of different smart materials as renewable smart resources. Intelligent quantum dot solar cells, Schottky solar cells, organic thin-film photovoltaic cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and organic-inorganic heterojunction solar cells have high conversion efficiency, low cost, and possess wide absorption spectra that reach the near-infrared range. Biomechanical energy can be transformed into green energy using triboelectric and piezoelectric-based smart nanogenerators such as zinc oxide nanowires. Shape memory materials such as Nitinol (NiTi) have been embedded in the wind turbine blades to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Piezoelectric nanogenerators can convert mechanical energy directly into electrical energy by using wireless sensors to harvest energy from moving water in hydroelectric power plants. Thermoelectric materials such as silver antimony telluride (AgSbTe2) offer a sustainable energy option, which employs industrial waste heat to produce power. Smart materials like graphene are more reliable and effective than carbon nanotubes for storing green hydrogen. Smart non-enzymatic biofuel cells are used in biomedical gadgets such as anesthesia machines and pacemakers, which are self-powered and have great sensitivity. Shape memory materials (SMM) are introduced in natural gas and oil reservoirs because they offer exceptional qualities such as the shape memory effect (SME), lightweight, corrosion resistance, and superelasticity, which enhance the performance and robustness of offshore industries. These new advancements, challenges, and applications of smart materials for renewable energy are covered in this review paper.

DFT and TD-DFT Investigations for the Limitations of Lengthening the Polyene Bridge between N,N-dimethylanilino Donor and Dicyanovinyl Acceptor Molecules as a D-π-A Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

One useful technique for increasing the efficiency of organic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is to extend the π-conjugated bridges between the donor (D) and the acceptor (A) units. The present study used the DFT and TD–DFT techniques to investigate the effect of lengthening the polyene bridge between the donor N, N-dimethyl-anilino and the acceptor dicyanovinyl. The results of the calculated key properties were not all in line with expectations. Planar structure was associated with increasing the π-conjugation linker, implying efficient electron transfer from the donor to the acceptor. A smaller energy gap, greater oscillator strength values, and red-shifted electronic absorption were also observed when the number of polyene units was increased. However, some results indicated that the potential of the stated dyes to operate as effective dye-sensitized solar cells is limited when the polyene bridge is extended. Increasing the polyene units causes the HOMO level to rise until it exceeds the redox potential of the electrolyte, which delays regeneration and impedes the electron transport cycle from being completed. As the number of conjugated units increases, the terminal lobes of HOMO and LUMO continue to shrink, which affects the ease of intramolecular charge transfer within the dyes. Smaller polyene chain lengths yielded the most favorable results when evaluating the efficiency of electron injection and regeneration. This means that the charge transfer mechanism between the conduction band of the semiconductor and the electrolyte is not improved by extending the polyene bridge. The open circuit voltage (VOC) was reduced from 1.23 to 0.70 V. Similarly, the excited-state duration (τ) decreased from 1.71 to 1.23 ns as the number of polyene units increased from n = 1 to n = 10. These findings are incompatible with the power conversion efficiency requirements of DSSCs. Therefore, the elongation of the polyene bridge in such D-π-A configurations rules out its application in solar cell devices.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO tetrapod-like nanorods without catalyst by wet thermal evaporation and applied on dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) continue to attract as one of the most important renewable energy technologies due to their simple production, environmentally friendly, and lower-cost fabrication process compared to the most common types of solar cells. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures have motivated researchers to fabricate DSSCs as photo-anodes due to their unique properties, such as different types of structures, appropriate optical properties, proper energy bandgap, and high electron transfer characteristics. This article reports the simple preparation of ZnO tetrapod-like nanorods using the wet thermal evaporation method on porous silicon substrate PS/Si and applied as a photoanode on DSSCs. ZnO nanostructures were characterized by using grazing-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. A significant difference in the performance of DSSCs has been investigated by using a standard dye di-tetrabutylammonium cis–bis(isothiocyanate)bis(2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyridyl-4,4[Formula: see text]-dicarboxylato) ruthenium (II) (N719) reloaded on ZnO tetrapod-like nanorods ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%, and [Formula: see text]%) being more efficient than the ZnO spherical nanoparticles as a reference solar cell ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%, and [Formula: see text]%).

Anionic Effect on Electrical Transport Properties of Solid Co2+/3+ Redox Mediators.

In a solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell, a fast-ion conducting (σ25°C > 10-4 S cm-1) solid redox mediator (SRM; electrolyte) helps in fast dye regeneration and back-electron transfer inhibition. In this work, we synthesized solid Co2+/3+ redox mediators using a [(1 - x)succinonitrile: x poly(ethylene oxide)] matrix, LiX, Co(tris-2,2'-bipyridine)3(bis(trifluoromethyl) sulfonylimide)2, and Co(tris-2,2'-bipyridine)3(bis(trifluoromethyl) sulfonylimide)3 via the solution-cast method, and the results were compared with those of their acetonitrile-based liquid counterparts. The notation x is a weight fraction (=0, 0.5, and 1), and X represents an anion. The anion was either bis(trifluoromethyl) sulfonylimide [TFSI-; ionic size, 0.79 nm] or trifluoromethanesulfonate [Triflate-; ionic size, 0.44 nm]. The delocalized electrons and a low value of lattice energy for the anions made the lithium salts highly dissociable in the matrix. The electrolytes exhibited σ25°C ≈ 2.1 × 10-3 (1.5 × 10-3), 7.2 × 10-4 (3.1 × 10-4), and 9.7 × 10-7 (6.3 × 10-7) S cm-1 for x = 0, 0.5, and 1, respectively, with X = TFSI- (Triflate-) ions. The log σ-T-1 plot portrayed a linear curve for x = 0 and 1, and a downward curve for x = 0.5. The electrical transport study showed σ(TFSI-) > σ(Triflate-), with lower activation energy for TFSI- ions. The anionic effect increased from x = 0 to 1. This effect was explained using conventional techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Fifty Shades of Phenanthroline: Synthesis Strategies to Functionalize 1,10-Phenanthroline in All Positions.

1,10-Phenanthroline (phen) is one of the most popular ligands ever used in coordination chemistry due to its strong affinity for a wide range of metals with various oxidation states. Its polyaromatic structure provides robustness and rigidity, leading to intriguing features in numerous fields (luminescent coordination scaffolds, catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, sensors, theranostics, etc.). Importantly, phen offers eight distinct positions for functional groups to be attached, showcasing remarkable versatility for such a simple ligand. As a result, phen has become a landmark molecule for coordination chemists, serving as a must-use ligand and a versatile platform for designing polyfunctional arrays. The extensive use of substituted phenanthroline ligands with different metal ions has resulted in a diverse array of complexes tailored for numerous applications. For instance, these complexes have been utilized as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells, as luminescent probes modified with antibodies for biomaterials, and in the creation of elegant supramolecular architectures like rotaxanes and catenanes, exemplified by Sauvage's Nobel Prize-winning work in 2016. In summary, phen has found applications in almost every facet of chemistry. An intriguing aspect of phen is the specific reactivity of each pair of carbon atoms ([2,9], [3,8], [4,7], and [5,6]), enabling the functionalization of each pair with different groups and leading to polyfunctional arrays. Furthermore, it is possible to differentiate each position in these pairs, resulting in non-symmetrical systems with tremendous versatility. In this Review, the authors aim to compile and categorize existing synthetic strategies for the stepwise polyfunctionalization of phen in various positions. This comprehensive toolbox will aid coordination chemists in designing virtually any polyfunctional ligand. The survey will encompass seminal work from the 1950s to the present day. The scope of the Review will be limited to 1,10-phenanthroline, excluding ligands with more intracyclic heteroatoms or fused aromatic cycles. Overall, the primary goal of this Review is to highlight both old and recent synthetic strategies that find applicability in the mentioned applications. By doing so, the authors hope to establish a first reference for phenanthroline synthesis, covering all possible positions on the backbone, and hope to inspire all concerned chemists to devise new strategies that have not yet been explored.

The Prospects and Challenges for Ambi‐Polar Vacancy‐Ordered Double Perovskite Cs2SnI6 towards Realization of High Efficiency Air‐Stable Solar‐Cells

The rapid advancements in material research for lead‐free inorganic metal halide perovskites have fuelled the pathway to design environmentally‐benign solar‐cells to cater the energy requirements for future generations. The vacancy‐ordered double perovskite Cs2SnI6 with an optimum band‐gap (∽1.3 eV), high absorption coefficient (∽105 cm‐1), ambi‐polar charge carrier transport, high structural and compositional stability coupled with simple cost‐effective solution‐based synthesis techniques seems to be an excellent candidate to design air‐stable high‐efficiency solar‐cell based applications. The review focusses on the structure‐property relationship in Cs2SnI6; and its critical dependency on growth precursors, conditions and methods. The recent advancements in material and additive engineering to obtain phase‐pure uniform continuous smooth Cs2SnI6 films; and myriad methods to modulate its opto‐electronic properties are summarized. The nature, origin and type of charge‐carriers in intrinsic and doped Cs2SnI6 is extensively discussed. The application of Cs2SnI6 in dye sensitized solar‐cell (DSSC) and planar perovskite solar‐cell (PSC) configurations are critically reviewed; and its recent progress and challenges to achieve ultimate theoretical Shockley‐Queisser limit of 30‐33% is presented. The recent experimental findings on the stability and performance of Cs2SnI6‐based solar‐cells under ambient and controlled conditions would be discussed to highlight its feasibility for the design and development of air‐stable high‐efficiency solar‐cells.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Preparation and characterization of TiO2 nanostructures by changing the parameters of trichloroaniline concentration, pH and annealing for dye-sensitized solar cell application

Preparation and characterization of TiO2 nanostructures by changing the parameters of trichloroaniline concentration, pH and annealing for dye-sensitized solar cell application

Enhancing dye-sensitized solar cell performance: Optimizing Cu2ZnSnS4/ZnCo2O4 nanocomposites as efficient and cost-effective counter electrodes

This study investigates the utilization of Cu2ZnSnS4/ZnCo2O4 (CZTS/ZCO) nanocomposites prepared through hydrothermal and combustion methods as counter electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). Different ratios of Cu2ZnSnS4 and ZnCo2O4 were explored, and comprehensive analyses were conducted using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High-Resolution TEM (HRTEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Incident Photon-to-Electron Conversion Efficiency (IPCE), alongside long-term stability assessments. The CZTS:ZCO ratio of 2:1 exhibited the highest efficiency, reaching 8.81 %, with an open-circuit voltage of 729 mV, short-circuit current of 17.80 mAcm−2, and a fill factor of 67.9 %. This surpasses the efficiency of the reference Pt cell (8.42 %), which had an open-circuit voltage of 735 mV, short-circuit current of 17.16 mAcm−2, and a fill factor of 66.8 %. The average crystallite sizes for the main peaks of CZTS and ZCO samples were estimated to be 19.8 and 16.7 nm, respectively. The crystallite size can significantly affect the charge transfer and conductivity in the counter electrode during electrochemical processes; the presence of nanocrystals with these sizes can notably enhance the electrochemical properties and conductivity of the synthesized samples. Raman analysis results indicate that no additional phases or secondary phases such as ZnS and CuSnS3 have formed in the kesterite CZTS structure, and the crystal has formed as a single phase. Additionally, the F2g modes in the Raman spectrum of ZCO indicate tetrahedral units in the spinel ZCO structure, and the A1g modes represent octahedral structures in this phase, indicating the formation of suitable ZCO phase. The superior performance of the CZTS/ZCO nanocomposite can be attributed to its enhanced crystalline structure, superior charge transport characteristics, and improved electrocatalytic behaviours.

Photoinduced Charge Transport Dynamics under the Influence of an Electric Field on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with a D−π–A Structure

Photoinduced Charge Transport Dynamics under the Influence of an Electric Field on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with a D−π–A Structure

First-principles Study of Solvent Polarity Effects in the Menshutkin Reaction

First-principles Study of Solvent Polarity Effects in the Menshutkin Reaction

Design of highly efficient 0D/1D TiO2 photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells by simple TiCl4 pre-treatment of titanate nanotubes

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) represent a promising avenue for sustainable energy conversion, with the efficiency of these devices heavily reliant on the performance of the TiO2 photoanode. Despite significant advancements, optimizing the photoanode material for higher efficiency remains a challenge. This study introduces a novel approach to constructing a highly efficient, multifunctional 0D/1D TiO2 composite by simply pre-treating the TiO2 precursor, specifically one-dimensional (1D) H-titanate nanotubes, with TiCl4. The TiCl4 treatment not only encourages the extensive synthesis of the one-dimensional nanostructures (i.e., nanorods) but also facilitates the in situ hydrolysis to generate small crystals that attach to the surface of the nanorods. The TiO2 composite offers several essential benefits, including the expanded thickness, high surface area for superior dye adsorption, efficient diffuse light scattering induced by the aggregate structures, and fast charge transport within the film matrix, making it an exemplary component for DSCs. The photovoltaic performance test revealed that TiCl4 pre-treatment increased power conversion efficiency by 36.3 %, rising from 7.63 % of untreated cells to a striking value of 10.4 %, which is a new record when N719 is used as a sensitizer and iodide-based redox shuttle employed as an electrolyte. This research provides an effective strategy for developing highly efficient photoanode material for DSCs.

Theoretical exploration of copper based electrolytes for third generation dye sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) present a promising avenue for addressing the escalating need for clean energy solutions. These innovative cells offer a sustainable approach to meet the rising demands for environmentally friendly power sources. An assessment was conducted on a copper complex containing a hexadentate ligand, serving as a redox shuttle, alongside triphenylamine-based organic dyes in the construction of DSSC. This study thoroughly investigates the electronic structures, FMO, MEP surfaces, and photophysical properties of copper redox shuttle and triphenylamine dyes employing DFT and TDDFT calculations. The copper system, [Cu(bpyPY4)]2+/+, analyzed in this study, is anchored by the hexadentate polypyridyl ligand bpyPY4 (6,6′-bis(1,1-di(pyridine-2-yl)ethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine), scrutinized as a redox shuttle (RS). The assessed redox potential for [Cu(bpyPY4)]2+/+ is −4.67 eV. This indicates that the dye can effectively undergo regeneration by transferring electrons from the reduced form of the redox shuttle to the oxidized form of the dye. The photovoltaic efficiency has been analyzed with regard to various factors, including the energy gap between the HOMO and LUMO, the excited-state oxidation potential (Edye*), electron injection ability (∆Ginj), electron regeneration (∆Greg), light harvesting efficiency, short-circuit current density (JSC) and the open-circuit voltage (Voc). This study sheds light on present-day developments and forthcoming prospects in utilizing 3d transition metal-based redox shuttles, presenting them as compelling candidates for integration with organic dyes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). This integration holds promise for more efficient solar spectrum absorption and enhanced performance of solar devices.

Thymus schimperi Ronniger plant flowers extracted dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Today’s energy demand is highly increased with the world’s population growth and technological advancement. Natural dye-sensitized solar cells (N-DSSCs) are attracting research areas as an alternative and renewable energy source due to their simple preparation technique, availability, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendliness. In the present work, we have successfully fabricated DSSC from Thymus schimperi Ronniger plant flowers for the first time. The solvents used for extraction of the flower dye were deionized water and its mixture with ethanol. The Thymus schimperi Ronniger flowers extracted dye solutions and sensitized photoanodes were characterized by FTIR and UV-Vis characterization techniques. The crystallinity of TiO2 film was analyzed by the XRD technique and shows pure anatase phase behavior. The photoelectrochemical solar cell performance parameters, like, short circuit current density (JSC), open circuit voltage VOC), fill factor (FF), and efficiency were evaluated from the current density-voltage (J-V) measurement using a Keithley 2450 source meter. DSSC sensitized with extracted dye solution by the mixture of water and ethanol showed better performance (1.37%) as compared with that of extracted dye solution by Deionized water alone (1,02%). 

Keywords: Renewable energy, Dye-sensitized solar cells, Thymus Schimperi Ronniger, photoelectrochemical

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.