Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Enhanced Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Mixing of Metal-Complex Dyes

Enhanced Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Mixing of Metal-Complex Dyes

Studies on the development and performance of natural dye-sensitised solar cell

ABSTRACT Dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) have gained popularity as a cost-effective alternative to silicon-based solar cells. The present study, provides a unique approach for the construction of DSSCs using anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) as the photoelectrode material and natural fruit extracts (blackcurrent and pomegranate) as photosensitisers. To generate a compact and homogenous TiO2 anatase layer, nanoparticles are deposited onto a transparent conducting fluorine-doped tin oxide glass. Subsequently, natural fruit extracts were added to the TiO2 anatase film, functioning as photosensitisers to absorb sunlight and start the electron transfer process. Each fruit extract unique chemical makeup adds to the absorption of various wavelengths, widening the DSSC's light absorption spectrum. A thin graphite coating was applied to a conducting material for the generation of a counter electrode, which completes the DSSC structure. The sensitised TiO2 anatase layer and counter electrode are joined together, with a redox electrolyte filling the gap between them. Current–voltage measurements used to characterise the manufactured DSSC during simulated solar irradiation. The DSSC's efficiency was calculated as 0.4–18% based on the produced photocurrent and incident light intensity. The study’s finding shows that a DSSC can be successfully fabricated because of its low manufacturing cost and low harmful. It has wide applicability in renewable energy sectors.

Effect of Structural and Material Modifications of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells on Photovoltaic Performance

Effect of Structural and Material Modifications of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells on Photovoltaic Performance

Enhancing dye-sensitized solar cell performance; optimization of quaternary counterion-based gel polymer electrolyte without changing additives or net-ion composition

Enhancing dye-sensitized solar cell performance; optimization of quaternary counterion-based gel polymer electrolyte without changing additives or net-ion composition

Fabrication of innovative ZnCo2O4/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposite counter electrode to replace Pt in dye-sensitized solar cells and improve solar cell performance

This study focuses on the fabrication and optimization of Ti3C2Tx/ZnCo2O4 (ZCO) hybrid counter electrodes (CEs) for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). The Ti3C2Tx Max phase was initially prepared through a solid-state reaction method and subsequently transformed into the MXene phase using the minimally intensive layer delamination (MILD) technique. ZnCo2O4 was synthesized via the sol-gel method. Various analyses, including FESEM, XRD, EDS, CV, Tafel, XPS, IPCE, and HRTEM, were employed to characterize the prepared materials. The key parameter investigated involved CEs with different weight ratios of Ti3C2Tx to ZnCo2O4 (0 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 40 %). Results revealed that the optimized DSSC with 30 % Ti3C2Tx to ZCO exhibited a remarkable efficiency of 8.61 %, surpassing both the cell without MXene (5.59 % efficiency) and the one with a Pt CE (8.12 % efficiency). The enhanced performance was attributed to a significant increase in current density primarily driven by the higher electrocatalytic activity of the ZM30 CE and improved conductivity.

Spectral properties and photophysical processes of triphenylamine-porphyrin-pyrimidine triads

Porphyrins have attracted considerable attention as an important family of photosensitizers used for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, a novel triphenylamine-porphyrin-pyrimidine triad with a triple bond linkage was synthesized and characterized. The sensitizer presents broad absorption in solution and on TiO2 films across the UV-Vis region benefiting from the extended conjugation. The acetenyl π-conjugated bridge stimulates the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process and brings a charge-separated state lifetime of around 4 μs. DSSC devices based on the sensitizer achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.77% thanks to the prolonged charge-separated state lifetime and suppressed charge recombination. The understanding of the structural, optical, and electrochemical properties of triphenylamine-porphyrin-pyrimidine triads provides new insights into the rational design of porphyrin sensitizers for various applications.

Photovoltaic performance enhancement via cocktail co-sensitization of D–A–π–A and D–π–A–π–A dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells

A novel organic dye (BIM37) featured with donor–auxiliary acceptor–π–acceptor (D–A–π–A) structure based on an acridine π–bridge has been designed and synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Unlike the acridine-based D–π–A–π–A dyes (BIM25 and BIM26), BIM37 was obtained by inserting an auxiliary acceptor between the donor and π–bridge units. This modification leads to a significant red shift in the absorption spectrum compared to its counterparts. Thus, the DSSCs based on BIM37 achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.03%, which is higher than that of BIM25 (3.76%) or BIM26 (4.56%). To further improve the photovoltaic performance, the cocktail co-sensitization strategy was applied. In the presence of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) as a co-adsorbent, the co-sensitized DSSC based on BIM37+BIM26 showed a high efficiency of 6.30%. This performance is superior to individual DSSCs with and without CDCA. The results show that molecular engineering for co-sensitization may be an effective strategy to improve the performance of DSSCs.

Effect of nickel oxide concentration on titanium oxide bilayer photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cell application

The mesoporous titanium oxide has attracted significant attention as a photoanode material for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). In the present work, we coated a planar NiO layer on the TiO2 film to minimize charge recombination with the dye and/or electrolyte molecules. The structural, morphological, elemental, optical, and electrical properties of the TiO2 and bi-layered TiO2/NiO films were studied using various characterization techniques. DSSCs based on N3 dye-sensitized TiO2 and bi-layered TiO2/NiO films were fabricated using PI as the redox electrolyte. The photocurrent density–voltage (J–V) characteristics of the DSSCs were studied using a solar simulator. Various parameters, such as open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc), and fill factor (FF), were calculated from the J–V characteristics. DSSCs based on bi-layered TiO2/NiO films showed superior performance compared to bare TiO2 films. The J–V characteristics of bilayer film shows enhanced open-circuit voltage (Voc) ~ 0.56 V, short-circuit current density (Jsc) ~ 2.14 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) ~ 75%, and efficiency (ƞ) ~ 0.91%. The TiO2/NiO solar cell showed a ~ 28% increase in efficiency compared to TiO2-based DSSC. Hence, the bi-layered TiO2/NiO films have potential applications in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.

Electrodeposited Polyaniline Modified CNT Fiber as Efficient Counter Electrode in Flexible Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Carbon-based electrodes played a significant role toward the development of wearable and flexible photovoltaic energy devices in an efficient and affordable manners. Here, all-carbon-based electrodes composed of carbon nanotubes fiber (CNTF) have been used to fabricate a flexible wire shaped dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). A facile electrodeposited approach has been adopted to modify a CNTF with polyaniline (PANI) under acidic conditions. Both photoanode (TiO2@CNTs) and counter electrode (PANI@CNTs) twisted around each other, acted as electrons and hole collectors in the presence of redox couple (iodide/triiodide) as electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrated the successful growth of TiO2 nanoparticles and conducting polyaniline (PANI) over the surface of CNTs fibers, as photoanode and counter electrode, respectively. Cyclic voltammetric measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, examined the reduction of triiodide and resistance of charge transfer. While the current-voltage measurements were carried out to check the performance of fabricated device when illuminated under simulated light source. With APNI modified counter electrode, device exhibited much higher photoelectric conversion efficiency (3.57%) under optimal conditions as compared to pristine CNTs fiber-based device with lower efficiency (2.26%). The improved performance of modified counter electrode further confirmed by the lower peak separation (ΔEp= 0.42V) and charge transfer resistance (RCW =19.28 Ω) in cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy, respectively. These fabricated electrodes could be promising alternate for metal-based electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells due to its facile fabrication process, low cost, and higher chemical stability.

DFT simulations of photovoltaic parameters of dye‐sensitized solar cells with new efficient sensitizer of indolo[3, 2‐b]carbazole complexes

AbstractDeveloping economical and high‐performing sensitizers is crucial in advancing dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and optoelectronics. This research paper explores the potential of novel red light‐absorbing organic dyes based on Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (ICZ) as the donor applied in co‐sensitizer‐free DSSCs for breakthroughs in photovoltaic (PV) applications. DFT and TD‐DFT based computational methods were employed to calculate the conduction band levels, electron injection capabilities, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of metal‐free organic dyes (ICZ1–ICZ9) having D‐A‐π‐A architecture. Comprehensive analyses included NBO, DOS, FMO, ICT, MEP, binding energy, and TDM analysis. Quantum chemical calculations of the structural, photochemical, and electrochemical properties, as well as the key parameters, reveals that all the designed dyes could be an excellent candidate for high‐efficiency DSSCs due the small energy gap (2.130–1.947 eV), longer wavelength absorption (759.47–520.63 nm), longer lifetimes (15.65–6.67 ns), a lower ΔGreg (0.29–0.14 eV), a significant dipole moment changes (31.489–16.195D), LHE (0.95‐0.46), the large qCT (0.962–0.689), small DCT (7.657, 4.897 Å), and VOC (1.13–0.86 eV). This quantum simulation showed that, when compared to reference D8, the photovoltaic dyes ICZ8, ICZ2, and ICZ7 are recognized as being eye‐catching. Furthermore, dye@(TiO2)9 cluster model results demonstrate promising prospects for enhancing the photovoltaic (PV) performance of ICZ1–ICZ9 dyes by electron injection and conduction band (CB) engineering. This study will help the experimentalists for developing ICZ‐based PVs as more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Enhancing the Performance of Pyridyl Carboxamide-N,N-dimethyl Amino Chalcone (PCC) as a Dye Sensitizer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) through the Incorporation of Electron Donor Moieties

This study has focused on enhancing the performance of pyridyl carboxamide-N,N-dimethyl amino chalcone (PCC) as a sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by strategically incorporating electron donor moieties identified in a literature review. Our reviewing the previous reports highlights the pivotal role of electron donors in optimizing light harvesting, electron injection, and overall power conversion efficiency in organic dye sensitizers, particularly those following a donor-bridge-acceptor (D-π-A) architecture. The selected donor moieties, including dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene (DTT), benzodithiophene (BDT), triphenylamine (TPA), carbazole (CBZ), and triazatruxene (TAZ), are systematically introduced into the molecular structure of PCC (abbreviated as PCC-DTT, PCC-BDT, PCC-TPA, PCC-CBZ, and PCC-TAZ, respectively). The performance of these modified compounds is rigorously evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) methods. Validation results revealed that the most reliable method for PCC derivative characterization involved the combination of the functional B3PW91 with a 6-31G(d) basis set. The results indicate that the incorporation of certain donor moieties, particularly BDT, significantly enhances the electronic and optical properties of PCC, including lower HOMO energy levels, a narrow energy gap (Egap), enhanced absorption intensity, and a redshift in absorption peaks. Evaluation of photovoltaic properties including electron injection (ΔGinj), and open circuit voltage (Voc), indicated facilitating spontaneous electron injection from the dyes to the TiO2 conduction band. Notably, PCC-TAZ demonstrated the lowest electron regeneration (ΔGreg), suggesting a notable potential for efficient electron regeneration.

Dandelion-like VSe2-embellished CuSe-Co3Se4 hollow nanotube clusters as bifunctional catalysts for high-performance alkaline hydrogen evolution and solar cells

Among the various non-precious metal catalysts that drive hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), transition metal selenides (TMSs) stand out due to their unique electronic properties and tunable morphology. Herein, the multicomponent selenide CuSe-Co3Se4@VSe2 was successfully synthesized by doping with metal element vanadium and selenization on the copper-cobalt carbonate hydroxide (CuCo-CH) template. CuSe-Co3Se4@VSe2 exhibited the dandelion-like cluster structure composed of hollow nanotubes doped with VSe2 nanoparticles. Due to the unique structure and the synergistic effect of various elements, CuSe-Co3Se4@VSe2 showed excellent alkaline HER and DSSC performances. The DSSC based on CuSe-Co3Se4@VSe2 exhibited an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.64 %, which was much higher than that of Pt (8.39 %). Besides, it possessed a low HER overpotential of 76 mV@10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 88.9 mV dec−1 in 1.0 M KOH.

Nanocomposites of Co-NiS/GO as a Versatile Catalyst: Enabling Platinum-Free DSSC Counter Electrodes and Enhancing Organic Dye Degradation

This study presents the synthesis of a nanocomposite intended to serve as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), replacing platinum electrodes, as well as functioning as a nanocatalyst for organic dye degradation. Graphene oxide was synthesized using a modified Hummers method, and cobalt-doped nickel sulfide on graphene oxide (Co-NiS/GO) was prepared via hydrothermal synthesis. The samples underwent characterization through various testing methods. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a hexagonal structure with a crystallite size of 30 nm. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray images showed a cornflake-like structure, with elements such as cobalt, nickel, sulfur, carbon, and oxygen present. Chemical valence states were confirmed through X-ray photoelectron specteroscopy analysis. The power conversion efficiency of the Co-NiS/GO counter electrode in DSSCs was investigated, with parameters such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency calculated to be 8.6032 mV, 0.5484 mA cm−2, 61, and 2.83%, respectively, based on I-V studies. Furthermore, the developed Co-NiS/GO nanocomposite was assessed for its photo catalytic dye degradation capabilities using malachite green (MG), achieving a degradation rate of approximately 96% within 180 min.

TiO2 nanoparticle seeds transformed into nanotubes for effective dye-sensitized solar cell application

Morphology plays a vital role in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to their high surface area, dye adsorption and electron transport. In this study, we have designed and fabricated titanate nanotube photoanodes by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) analysis revealed the transformation of nanoparticles to nanotube morphology. Brauner-Emmett-Teller (BET) method showed the enhanced surface area and pore diameter of nanotubes. TiO2 nanotube photoanode showed excellent energy conversion efficiency (2.38 %), short circuit current densities (Isc) (6.29 mA/cm2), and fill factors (FF) (0.63), respectively.

Synergistic nanoarchitecture of polythiophene/graphene for enhanced efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

In the present study, nanocomposites composed of graphene and polythiophene (PTh) were synthesized through in-situ polymerization techniques. The morphological properties of the composites and the interactions among their constituents were examined utilizing X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The findings suggest that the concentration of graphene within the composites exerts an influence on the performance of solar devices. The solar cell employing a 15% graphene/PTh composite demonstrated superior efficiency at 8.82% compared to its counterparts utilizing 10% (6.62%) and 20% (7.53%) graphene/PTh composites. Furthermore, the efficiency of the graphene/PTh device (8.82%) surpassed that of a platinum (Pt)-based solar cell (8.06%). Thus, graphene/PTh composites exhibit the potential to replace platinum and pave the way for the commercialization of DSSCs.

Influence of surface passivation by MgO on photovoltaic performance of SnO2 based dye-sensitized solar cells

The study highlights effect of surface modification of SnO2 photoelectrode by MgO coating on photovoltaic properties of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A thin coating of MgO on SnO2 photoelectrode was prepared using sol-gel-derived dip coating technique. The bare SnO2 and MgO coated SnO2 composite photoanodes was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis spectrophotometer. The optical absorption study revealed that the modification in SnO2 by MgO coating caused an increase in absorption by photoanode in visible region. The solar cell was demonstrated by preparing FTO|SnO2|Dye|MgO|Electrolyte|Pt coated FTO device structure and tested with current density-voltage (J-V) measurement. The effect of precursor concentration of MgO coating on the performance of DSSCs were investigated. It was found that, optimized coating of MgO for 90 seconds on SnO2 improved all photovoltaic parameters, resulting in enhancement in efficiency by 42% compared to that of DSSC with bare SnO2 photoanode. The coating of MgO would have reduced the trap states and suppressed interfacial recombination losses by preventing back electron transfer from the conduction band of the semiconductor to HOMO of dye molecule or redox species.

Design and fabrication of NiCo2S4@rGO as an efficient Pt free triiodide reducing agent for dye-sensitized solar cell application

Exploiting efficient Pt-free counter-electrode materials with low cost and highly catalytic property is a hot topic in the field of Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Here, NiCo2S4/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was prepared via an economical hydrothermal ynthesis route, and the as-prepared composite exhibited comparable electrocatalytic property with the conventional Pt electrode as the counter-electrode. Enhanced optoelectronic, optical and structural characteristics have been attained over the constructed heterojunction. Band gap energy of NiCo2S4 (2.35 eV) was suppressed to 2.11 eV owing to its supporting with 10 wt.% rGO bringing about upgraded absorption of visible light. Electrochemical studies confirmed the synergetic effect of nickel and cobalt ions with the high electrical conductive rGO networks that enhance the electrocatalytic activity of NiCo2S4 nanostructures. The efficiency achieved for the NiCo2S4@rGO counter electrode (CE) based DSSC is 8.17 %, which is remarkably higher than that of pristine NiCo2S4 (7.31 %), and Pt (7.14 %) under the same experimental conditions. In outline, given their innovative synthesis approach, affordability, and remarkable electrocatalytic attributes, the newly developed NiCo2S4@rGO counter electrodes stand out as potent contenders in future dye-sensitized solar cell applications.

The influence of metal-free thiophene spacer chain on optoelectronic analysis by TD-DFT method for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells with enhanced non-linear optical activity

The influence of metal-free thiophene spacer chain on optoelectronic analysis by TD-DFT method for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells with enhanced non-linear optical activity

Fabrication of a New Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using CuO/TiO2 Nanocomposite Synthesized via an Electrochemical Technique

Various standard methods have previously been used for the synthesis of nanoparticles that produce unhealthy waste. They are also considered unsafe and expensive methods. An alternative technology is needed to synthesize nanoparticles that consume less energy and are more environmentally friendly. In this research, a CuO/TiO2 nanocomposite has been synthesized with a mole ratio of 1.5:1, which produces good energy and no environmental pollution using an easy and fast method (electrochemical). The morphology and structure of the nanocomposite were examined using TEM, FESEM, AFM, and FTIR. The particle size of the CuO/TiO2 nanocomposites was found to range between 10.52 and 88.10 nm, while optical properties were diagnosed using UV-visible spectroscopy since its measurements showed the amount of gap energy (3.08 eV). The structure of the nanocomposite was demonstrated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), where the mixed anatase and rutile phases were observed for TiO2, while the monoclinic (tenorite) phase was observed for CuO. Additionally, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been fabricated from CuO/TiO2 nanocomposite, which was synthesized by a new green method, and pigments (methylene blue as a chemical dye and chlorophyll as a natural dye). These DSSCs were characterized by their high ability to absorb ultraviolet energy, where the efficiency of energy conversion ɳ of ITO-CuO/TiO2 was approximately 2.62 and 3.87% with chlorophyll (a natural dye) and methylene blue (a chemical dye), respectively, where ɳ of ITO-CuO/TiO2 with methylene blue is the best.

The Effect of Conjugated Nitrile Structures as Acceptor Moieties on the Photovoltaic Properties of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: DFT and TD-DFT Investigation.

A major challenge in improving the overall efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells is improving the optoelectronic properties of small molecule acceptors. This work primarily investigated the effects of conjugation in nitriles incorporated as acceptor moieties into a newly designed series of D-A-A dyes. Density functional theory was employed to specifically study how single-double and single-triple conjugation in nitriles alters the optical and electronic properties of these dyes. The Cy-4c dye with a highly conjugated nitrile unit attained the smallest band gap (1.80 eV), even smaller than that of the strong cyanacrylic anchor group (2.07 eV). The dyes lacking conjugation in nitrile groups did not contribute to the LUMO, while LUMOs extended from donors to conjugated nitrile components, facilitating intramolecular charge transfer and causing a strong bind to the film surface. Density of state analysis revealed a considerable impact of conjugated nitrile on the electronic properties of dyes through an effective contribution in the LUMO, exceeding the role of the well-known strong 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole acceptor unit. The excited state properties and the absorption spectra were investigated using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). Conjugation in the nitrile unit caused the absorption band to broaden, strengthen, and shift toward the near-infrared region. The proposed dyes also showed optimum photovoltaic properties; all dyes possess high light-harvesting efficiency (LHE) values, specifically 96% for the dyes Cy-3b and Cy-4c, which had the most conjugated nitrile moieties. The dyes with higher degrees of conjugation had longer excitation lifetime values, which promote charge transfer by causing steady charge recombination at the interface. These findings may provide new insights into the structure of conjugated nitriles and their function as acceptor moieties in DSSCS, which may lead to the development of extremely effective photosensitizers for solar cells.