Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Preparation and Characterization of Transferable Encapsulated Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The increasing demand for sustainable energy as a means to combat the impact of climate change is addressed via a novel concept in the present work. Herein presented are developed transferable encapsulated dye-sensitized solar cells, canonically “solar capsules”, for photovoltaic applications on alternative surfaces, such as facades. The solar capsule assembly houses all the components necessary for photovoltaic energy conversion, enclosed within a semiconductor nanotubular array, making them truly unique in their construction. This capsule-style unit enables an easy transfer and draft onto a wide range of materials and surfaces for photovoltaic functionalization and applications. This type of dye-sensitized solar cell typically consists of transferred solar capsules and two additional electrodes. The design and construction of solar capsules means they have a high economic viability as they can seamlessly be up-scaled using commercially established techniques such as anodization and subsequent functionalization. This work demonstrates a working model of such transferable solar capsules by fabricating TiO2 nanotubes that are functionalized via facile dip- and spin-coating techniques in a wet lab at ambient conditions. These prototypes are characterized in bulk and are thoroughly investigated at the nanoscale for information on the chemical distribution of the constituents, as they may be influenced during the manufacturing process.

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

Comparison of ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis and Consecutive Method for UV-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue

ZnO is a semiconductor material that is widely used for many applications in industries such as solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, food packaging, photocatalytic, anti-microbial, light-emitting diode devices, and gas sensors. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) have been successfully synthesized using two methods, namely spray pyrolysis and a consecutive method. The consecutive method is a combination of sol-gel and spray drying methods. The objective of this study is to investigate the photocatalytic performance of ZnO fabricated using those methods. Both methods used the same precursor, zinc acetate dehydrate as a source of zinc, but with different solvents and additives. Based on the X-ray diffraction pattern, the ZnO NPs synthesized using spray pyrolysis and a consecutive method exhibited similar polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structures. The large crystal sizes of ZnO NPs were obtained using a consecutive method, sol-gel followed by spray drying, in comparison with those from the ZnO spray pyrolysis. In contrast, the particle size of ZnO prepared by the consecutive method was in a smaller range. The SEM analysis implied that the ZnO structures had surface defects. In the UV-driven photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, ZnO produced by the consecutive method exhibited slightly higher degradation performance than ZnO spray pyrolysis. This performance was attributed to the larger crystal size of ZnO NPs, which provided a longer carrier movement at semiconductor surfaces and reduced electron-hole recombination. Additionally, ZnO NPs produced using the consecutive method underwent agglomeration that leads to a smaller contact surface with methylene blue, obstructing the degradation process.

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Unveiling Barriers to Enhanced Performance

Global energy consumption is steadily increasing, and the world's reliance on non-renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric and thermoelectric power is unsustainable due to their diminishing availability. The photovoltaic (PV) devices have been developed through various methods for various applications, and among these, Dye- Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) have emerged as a cost-effective and easily implementable technology. This comprehensive review paper offers an in-depth overview of DSSCs, aiming to provide insights into their construction, working principles, applications, and the significant challenges they face, primarily related to their low efficiency and stability. To fully commercialize DSSCs and compete with existing energy technologies, it is imperative to continue addressing and overcoming the efficiency challenges outlined in this review. KEYWORDS: TiO2, Dye Sensitized Solar Cell, Electrolyte, Photoanode, Counter Electrode

Efficiency Improvement on Indium Tin Oxide Films for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using Oxygen Plasma by Bias-Magnetron RF Sputtering Process

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are among the most widely studied thin-film solar cells because of their cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, and simple fabrication method. However, there is still much scope for replacing current DSSC materials due to their high cost, low volume, and lack of long-term stability. Accordingly, indium tin oxide (ITO)-nanorod films were fabricated by electron (E)-beam evaporation using the glancing angle deposition method in this study. Then, the ITO-nanorod was treated with oxygen plasma via a bias-magnetron radio-frequency (RF) sputtering process to improve the efficiency of DSSCs under a varying gas flow rate of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 sccm. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) investigation of the ITO film structure revealed that the obtained nanorod structures have slightly different diameters. At the same time, an increase in the oxygen flow rate resulted in a rougher film surface structure. In this, the lower sheet resistance was received because of rougher morphology. When comparing the DSSCs efficiency (η) test results, we found that at a gas flow rate of 100 sccm, the highest efficiency value showed 9.5%. On the other hand, the ITO-nanorod without plasma treatment exhibited the lowest η. Hence, plasma technology can be practically applied to improve the η of DSSC devices. This study will be a prototype of a highly advanced solar cell manufacturing method for the solar cell industry.

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].

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.

Integrating dye-sensitized solar cells and supercapacitors: portable powerpacks for future energy applications

Integrating dye-sensitized solar cells and supercapacitors: portable powerpacks for future energy applications

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.

Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Hollow TiO2 Spheres with Enhanced Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications

Fabricating photoanodes with a strong light-scattering effect can improve the photoconversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, a facile microwave hydrothermal process was developed to prepare Au@TiO2 core–shell nanostructures, and then the Au core was removed by etching, resulting in hollow TiO2. Morphological characterizations such as field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy measurements have been used for the successful formation of core–shell and hollow TiO2 nanostructures. Next, we attempted to deposit the different-sized hollow TiO2-based microspheres simultaneously on the surface of small-sized TiO2 nanoparticles-based compact film as light-scattering layers via electrophoretic deposition. The deposited hollow TiO2 microspheres constitute bi- and tri-layers that not only improve the light-harvesting properties but also speed up the photogenerated charge transfer. Compared to commercial TiO2 compact film (4.75%), the resulting bi-layer and tri-layered films-based DSSCs displayed power conversion efficiencies of 6.33% and 8.08%, respectively. It is revealed that the deposited bi- and tri-layered films can enhance the light absorption ability via multiple photon reflection. This work validates a novel and controllable strategy to develop light-scattering layers with increased light-harvesting properties for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells.

A review on Natural dyes as a sensitizer in dye- dye-sensitized solar cell

A review on Natural dyes as a sensitizer in dye- dye-sensitized solar cell

Chalcogenides in Perovskite Solar Cells with a Carbon Electrode: State of the Art and Future Prospects

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been on the forefront of advanced research for over a decade, achieving constantly increasing power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), while their route towards commercialization is currently under intensive progress. Towards this target, there has been a turn to PSCs that employ a carbon electrode (C-PSCs) for the elimination of metal back contacts, which increase the cost of corresponding devices while at the same time have a severe impact on their stability. Chalcogenides are chemical compounds that contain at least one chalcogen element, typically sulfur (S), selenium (Se), or tellurium (Te), combined with one metallic element. They possess semiconducting properties and have been proven to have beneficial effects when incorporated in a variety of solar cell types, including dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), and Organic Solar Cells (OSCs), either as interlayers or added in the active layers. Currently, an increasing number of studies have highlighted their potential for achieving high-performing and stable PSCs. In this review, the most promising results of the latest studies regarding the implementation of chalcogenides in PSCs with a carbon electrode are presented and discussed, merging two research trends that are currently on the spotlight of solar cell technology.

Effect of Anchoring Unit, N-Alkyl Chain Length, and Thickness of Titanium Dioxide Layer on the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and Tandem DSSCs

Effect of Anchoring Unit, <i>N</i>-Alkyl Chain Length, and Thickness of Titanium Dioxide Layer on the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and Tandem DSSCs

Progress in MXenes and Their Composites as Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Sensing and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In the present mini-review article, we have compiled the previously reported literature on the fabrication of MXenes and their hybrid composite materials based electrochemical sensors for the determination of phenolic compounds and counter electrodes for platinum (Pt)-free dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). MXenes are two-dimensional (2D) materials with excellent optoelectronic and physicochemical properties. MXenes and their composite materials have been extensively used in the construction of electrochemical sensors and solar cell applications. In this paper, we have reviewed and compiled the progress in the construction of phenolic sensors based on MXenes and their composite materials. In addition, co1.unter electrodes based on MXenes and their composites have been reviewed for the development of Pt-free DSSCs. We believe that the present review article will be beneficial for the researchers working towards the development of phenolic sensors and DSSCs using MXenes and their composites as electrode materials.

A microfluidic approach for controllable synthesis of TiO2 submicrospheres

TiO2 submicrospheres are used in dye-sensitized solar cells and Li-ion batteries to enhance energy conversion efficiency and volumetric performance. In this study, a microfluidic chip was designed for the realization of the continuous controllable synthesis of TiO2 submicrospheres. The chip utilizes two T-channels to discrete dispersed phases into droplets, and a Y-channel to fuse the two dispersed phase droplets. The droplets generation process, the influencing factors of droplet length and the fusion process of droplets were investigated. The effects of the flow rate ratio of titanium oxysulfate and ammonia solutions, microchannel geometrical profiles including the Y-channel entrance angle on the size of the synthesized TiO2 were studied. The length of the generated droplets was found to decrease with increasing continuous-phase flow rate, and increase with increasing dispersed-phase flow rate and microchannel cross-section area. When the flow rate ratio of titanium oxysulfate solution and ammonia solution was 1:1, the average diameter of TiO2 spheres synthesized was the smallest, around 300 nm. Increasing the microchannel cross-section and Y-channel entrance angle were beneficial in obtaining larger TiO2 submicrospheres. This proposed microfluidic strategy has the potential for applications required continuous synthesis of TiO2 submicrospheres with controllable sizes.

Effect of cadmium sulphide on poly (ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) based electrolyte nanocomposite and its application in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC)

The detail study of structural and ionic conductivity characterization of Poly (ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) based polymer composite electrolyte were modified by the incorporation of Cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanomaterial. PEMA in addition with 40 % wt. potassium iodide (KI) and ethylene carbonate (EC) having 60 % wt., has the highest ionic conductivity of 4.65 × 10−5 S/cm when employed the solution casting technique. Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) was incorporated with PEMA + KI 40 % wt. + EC 60 % wt. sample to get maximum conductivity sample. The highest ionic conductivity 2.65×10−3S/cm, was attained at 7 % weight percentage of Cadmium sulphide (CdS). The conductive sample's morphology was examined using SEM, its amorphicity and crystalline structure was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique, and FTIR 'wavenumbers of the maximum conductive sample of PEMA polymer + KI salt + EC plastizer and PEMA polymer + KI salt + EC plastizer + CdS nanoparticles were compared. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the amorphous nature of the maximum conductive sample of polymer composite electrolyte. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was used to find out the glass transition (Tg) temperature of maximum conducting sample of polymer composite. The doctor blade method was employed to develop the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC), and it had been observed that, under one sunlight situation, the energy conversion efficiency was 2.09 %, having parameters fill factor was 79.77 %.

Dye-sensitized solar cells achieved with multi-layered SnO2/ZnO composite photoanodes through precise control of thickness and composition

AbstractThe spin coating is cost-effective, straightforward, and highly suitable for the large-scale production of solar cells. In this study, we report the fabrication of SnO2/ZnO composite films for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) using a simplified and cost-effective spin-coating technique on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrates. This study introduces a new way of preparing a multi-layered composite thin film using a suspension containing colloidal SnO2 nanoparticles and ZnO nanoparticles followed by sonication and aging of TiO2-free high-efficiency DSCs. Our approach provides a facile way of obtaining a uniform film of tunable thickness with high reproducibility by adjusting the total number of coating cycles. The spin-coating process achieved a nano-sized SnO2-covered ZnO layer, contributing to enhanced conversion efficiency in DSCs. A specific number of seven coating cycles was identified as optimal for achieving the aspirational performance. Under standard AM 1.5 irradiation with an intensity of 100 mW/ cm2, the fabricated SnO2/ZnO composite films revealed an overall energy conversion efficiency of 6.5% with a thickness of 2.06 µm which is impressive for a TiO2-free DSC. This achievement indicates the potential of the developed fabrication process for cost-effective and scalable production of efficient DSCs with SnO2/ZnO composite.

Cosensitization of a Tetraethylene Glycol‐Substituted Unsymmetrical Zinc Phthalocyanine Sensitized Solar Cells with D131 Auxiliary Dye Exhibited Enhanced Efficiency

AbstractAn asymmetric zinc phthalocyanine dye (ZnPcT3C), bearing three tetraethylene glycol donor groups and one carboxylic acid anchoring group, was synthesized as a photosensitizer dye for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The tetraethylene glycol (TEG), consisting of four ethoxy units, works as an amphiphilic long‐chain donor group that greatly helped in reducing the molecular aggregation. Carboxylic acid group, on the other hand, an acceptor, together with TEG in ZnPcT3C functions as a ‘push–pullʼ system suitable for DSSCs. Absorption spectra of ZnPcT3C in DMSO showed a strong sharp Q band in the infrared region 600–700 nm with (λmax = 682 nm) and a less intense soret band appeared in the region 300–400 nm with λmax = 340 nm. The zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPcT3C) exhibited molar extinction coefficient (ε) of 72,727 L mol−1cm−1. The emission was observed at λem = 695 nm upon excitation at 650 nm and exhibited a fluorescence decay of 2.82 ns. The ZnPcT3C dye sensitised solar cell (c = 1 mM) exhibited the power conversion efficiency (η) of 3.52% in chloroform in I−/I3 electrolyte under simulated 100% brightness. Cosensitization of ZnPcT3C with another auxiliary dye D131 in 1:1 ratio in a cocktail‐type DSSC attained the power conversion efficiency of twice as high as η = 6.27% in an identical condition. A mixture of D131 (λmax = 470 nm) dye with the ZnPcT3C phthalocyanine harvests sunlight across the visible spectra, enabling DSSCs to attain a large photocurrent and photovoltage, enhancing power conversion efficiency.

Investigation of the impact of internal acceptor and π-linker in 2, 5-di(2-thienyl)pyrrole based organic dye photosensitizer for DSSCs

The effect of π-linkers and internal acceptor group on the optoelectronic characteristics of D-π-A and D-A′-π-A dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were examined. The DFT was used for estimating geometries and charge transport parameters, and the TD-DFT for calculating electronic excitations of these dyes. HOMO, LUMO, and HOMO-LUMO energy gap were also calculated for appreciating the suitable electron transfer, dye regeneration, and charge injection. For achieving the improved performance of dyes in DSSC, injection driving force (ΔGinj), short circuit current (JSC), the open circuit voltage (VOC), light harvesting efficiency (LHE), dye regeneration energy (ΔGreg), and Power conversion efficiency were also determined. For suitable Power conversion efficiency of the DSSCs, electron affinity (EA), hole and electron extraction potential, Ionization potential (IP), Total density of states, and Electrostatic potential (ESP) were also calculated. The result shows that the internal acceptor and π-linkers affect the photovoltaic parameters and a small variations in the dye architecture increase the efficiency of DSSCs. The dyes containing diphenyl π-linkers showed maximum power conversion efficiency for solar cell.

Synthesis of CuCo2S4 nanosheets and its application in dye-sensitized solar cells

CuCo2S4, a ternary sulfide and an eco-friendly thiospinel that occurs naturally as a mineral named Carrollite, has been synthesized successfully in ambient conditions at low temperatures using ultrasonication. It has yet to be reported, but the nanosheet structure obtained from the ultrasonication synthesis method employed as a counter electrode in the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has been demonstrated. The purity, crystallinity, morphology, and structure were explored thoroughly through the medium of XRD, SEM, TEM, SAED, and EDAX, and along with this, the presence of metal sulfide bond was investigated with the FT-IR and Raman spectra, which altogether confirmed the formation of CuCo2S4 nanosheet. The as-prepared nanosheets of CuCo2S4 have shown excellent homogeneity, as expected. Also, the presence of sulfur in the synthesized CuCo2S4, which is a highly polarizable atom and of a smaller size exhibiting a higher surface area, demonstrates higher electrocatalytic activity when fabricated as a counter-electrode in DSSCs by providing an incredible short circuit current density of 31.05 mA cm−2, open circuit potential of 735 mV with good fill factor value which altogether resulted in the power conversion efficiency of 10.21 % nearer to DSSC fabricated with Platinum counter electrode under the same conditions.