Efficient Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Enhanced Efficiency of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) with Polyaniline-Decorated FeCo2O4 Counter Electrodes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance Analysis

Enhanced Efficiency of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) with Polyaniline-Decorated FeCo2O4 Counter Electrodes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance Analysis

Synthesis of novel advanced squaraine dyes for improved efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

Synthesis of novel advanced squaraine dyes for improved efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

Lignosulfonate-Induced orientation of Poly(3,4-ethlylenedioxythiophene) for enhanced efficiency in bifacial Dye-Sensitized solar cells

Lignosulfonate-Induced orientation of Poly(3,4-ethlylenedioxythiophene) for enhanced efficiency in bifacial Dye-Sensitized solar cells

Optimizing DSSCs Performance for Indoor Lighting: Matching Organic Dyes Absorption and Indoor Lamps Emission Profiles to Maximize Efficiency.

The rapid proliferation of internet-connected devices has transformed our daily habits prompting a shift towards greater sustainability in renewable energy for indoor applications. Among the various technologies available for obtaining energy in indoor conditions, Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) stand out as the most promising due to their ability to efficiently convert ambient light into usable electricity. This study explores how the optimal matching of the UV-Vis absorption spectra of dyes commonly used in DSSCs with the emission profiles of indoor lamps allows for the enhanced efficiency of DSSC under indoor lighting. By testing four organic dyes with different UV-Vis absorption spectra (L1, Y123, S1, and TP1) under two different common indoor light sources (OSRAM 930 and OSRAM 765 lamp), a significant dye-lamp correlation was demonstrated. Notably, low-priced dyes like S1 and TP1, characterized by easier synthetic routes and with an optimal overlap with the dye-lamp spectrum, exhibited competitive efficiencies, narrowing the performance gap with high-performing dyes like Y123, which require more demanding preparation approaches. The study highlights the critical importance of tailoring dye selection to specific indoor lighting environments, addressing a significant gap and paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions for indoor applications.

Optimizing Solar Power: The Impact of N719 Dye Concentration on DSSC Efficiency with TiO2 Nanoparticles

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are photoelectrochemical, alternative energy source devices that convert light energy into electricity. In this study, DSSC with various concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM) of N719 dye have been successfully prepared using simple steps. The X-ray diffraction results of the TiO2 film showed that it is polycrystalline with an anatase phase (tetragonal system) having a crystallite size of about 20 nm. The absorbance spectrum of the TiO2 film and N719 dye at various concentrations was recorded by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. The bandgap energy of the TiO2 film calculated by Tauc’s formula was ~3.1 eV. The DSSC prepared using the N719 dye concentration of 1 mM achieved the highest conversion efficiency (η) of 0.298 %, respectively. Subsequently, the enhancement in efficiency was ~86 % compared with the conversion efficiency of DSSC prepared with an N719 dye concentration of 0.1 and 0.5 mM.

Modification in the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by H ions implantation on TiO2 photoanode

The sol-gel approach was utilized to synthesize the pure TiO2 films. Hydrogen ions are irradiated on these synthesized films with a flow rate of 2x1013, 2x1014 and 2x1015 ionscm-2, and the beams are accelerated at 700 KeV. The XRD analysis confirmed the tetragonal structure of TiO2. The high grain size is observed at 2x1014 ions/cm2 . UVvisible spectroscopy showed that films are highly transparent to visible light and hydrogen ions produces a red shift in the absorbance peak. The low value of Eg is observed at 2x1014 ions/cm2 . The calculated value of conduction band edges gave suitable information of the behavior of free charge carriers in the solar cells. PL analysis showed that the recombination rate reduced, which will enhance the dye-sensitized solar cells' efficiency. DSSCs have been prepared with these films. The EIS results indicate the resistance in the transportation of charges across the interfaces reduces. Via current voltage J-V analysis, open circuit voltage Voc, short circuit current density Jsc and fill factor FF were improved with the H-irradiation process at 2x1014 ions/cm2 fluence rate, resulting in maximum photoconversion efficiency of 4.05%.

Computational investigation of charge transfer mechanisms in dye-sensitized solar cells: unraveling the influence of anchoring groups in 2-styryl-5-phenylazo-pyrrole designed dyes

The proposed dyes demonstrated characteristics conducive to achieving high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Novel azo dyes diverse anchoring groups, including carboxylic acid, carboxylic diacid, biscarbodithiolic acid, phosphonic acid, and sulfonic acid, were examined to assess their impact on electronic and optical properties within DSSCs. A computational investigation was conducted to design and evaluate charge transfer mechanisms using azo-pyrrole-based dyes for DSSCs performed with the Gaussians 09 and employing TD-DFT techniques with functions like B3LYP and a 6-31G (d, p) basis set to analyze ground and excited state characteristics. Enhanced charge transfer was observed due to improved molecular properties within DSSCs. The analysis encompassed electronic and optical properties, UV-Vis absorption spectra, light harvesting efficiency, and hardness to elucidate the effects of various anchoring groups. Carboxylic acid-based dyes exhibited broad absorption spectra, the longest maximum wavelength, and the highest light harvesting efficiency, indicating proficient electron injection capabilities.

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Modified TiO2 Scattering Layer Produced by Hydrothermal Method.

This work proposes dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with various photoanode designs. A hydrothermal method is used to synthesize hydrangea-shaped TiO2 (H-TiO2) aggregates. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of H-TiO2 reveals only an anatase phase. No peaks of any other phases are detected, indicating that the hydrangea-shaped TiO2 is phase-pure. The size of the synthesized H-TiO2 is approximately 300 nm to 2 μm, and its particle size is suitable for use in the scattering layer of a DSSC. Mixing the P25 TiO2 into the H-TiO2 aggregate with the best mixing ratio can significantly improve the conversion efficiency of DSSCs. When the ratio of H-TiO2:P25 TiO2 = 3:7, the scattering layer has the optimal parameters, as determined experimentally. The optimal structure is a double layer that is formed of five layers of P25 TiO2 plus a single scattering layer. An open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.77 V, short-circuit current (Jsc) of 15.26 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) of 0.71, conversion efficiency (η) of 8.33%, and charge-collection efficiency (ηcc) of 0.96 are obtained from the optimally designed photoelectrode. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this work is the first in which large particles of hydrangea are mixed with small particles of P25 TiO2 in various proportions to form a scattering layer.

Efficient dye-sensitized solar cells using niobium-palladium binary alloy films counter electrode

Efficient dye-sensitized solar cells using niobium-palladium binary alloy films counter electrode

A DFT/TD-DFT study on the π-spacer effect of coumarin 102-Based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells applications

Abstract Developing new organic dyes with optimized electronic structures and superior light-harvesting capabilities is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In the current study, four novel D-π-A organic dye molecules (MC1-MC4), with various π spacers, were designed based on Coumarin-102 dye to investigate their prospective uses in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Therefore, DFT and TD-DFT calculations were utilized to explore the electronic structure and photophysical and photovoltaic properties of the designed dyes. Specifically, the optimized structures, electronic parameters, Frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis, Density of States (DOS) analysis, and Global Reactivity Parameters (GRPs) were evaluated. The calculated values of the energy difference between HOMO and LUMO ranged from 2.63 to 2.97 eV, with the MC2 dye having the smallest band gap (2.63 eV). Furthermore, the influence of π spacers on the performance of DSSCs was studied by calculating the Non-Linear optical (NLO) characteristics, UV–vis spectra, and other important parameters determining the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs. The results show that MC2 exhibits the highest value of light-harvesting efficiency (0.96) and a more negative ΔGinject (−1.323 eV), indicating that MC2 would demonstrate a higher JSC and could theoretically be a better sensitizer of DSSC device.

Unraveling the relaxation dynamics of donor-π-acceptor porphyrins, achieving a promising 10.51% device efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

The sensitizer is one of the key components in achieving the high efficiency and durability of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) device. The porphyrin class of sensitizers using the donor-[Formula: see text]-acceptor concept with either I[Formula: see text]/I[Formula: see text] or Co(II/III) redox couples have demonstrated device efficiency >10%. The sensitizer with triphenylimidazole donor and and 3-(5(benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl)thiophen-2yl)-2-cyanoacrylic acid as an acceptor (LG18) have illustrated device efficiency of 10.51%. In this report, we adopted femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) spectroscopy to explore the ensuing relaxation properties of LG18 and adsorbed on TiO2 in solution upon 400 nm photoexcitation. Comparative analysis of the obtained TA data matrices of LG18 and LG18–TiO2 samples confirms an ultrafast hot electron extraction (<150 fs, >k[Formula: see text] = 6.5 × 10[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text] along with multi-step electron injection occurs from different excited states of LG18 with rate constant (k[Formula: see text] in the range of 6.7 × 10[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text] to 5 × 108 s[Formula: see text] which are 3-4 order higher than charge recombination rate (k[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]<1 × 108 s[Formula: see text].

Effect of titanium dioxide nanofillers on the properties of gel-polymer electrolytes and power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells

Effect of titanium dioxide nanofillers on the properties of gel-polymer electrolytes and power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells

Influence of Blocking layer on Hf and V doped Perovskite structured SrSnO3 for highly efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Influence of Blocking layer on Hf and V doped Perovskite structured SrSnO3 for highly efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Use of BODIPY and BORANIL Dyes to Improve Solar Conversion in the Fabrication of Organic Photovoltaic Cells Through the Co-Sensitization Method

This work addresses the implementation of the co-sensitization technique to increase the energy efficiency of organic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Fluorescent dyes derived from boron complexes— (BORANIL) and (BODIPY)— were successfully synthesized and used as co-sensitizers in different volume percentage ratios to verify the most effective concentration for photon capture through these sensitizers. The dyes were optically characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), analyzing them through the optical performance of each hybrid combination of dyes, an optimization of the photon collection capacity in the tests performed in a volume percentage ratio of 25:75 or 1:3. The morphology and surface roughness of the electrodes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Through electrochemical characterizations, it was found that the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency was obtained with the ATH1005 (D) dye mixed with ATH032 (G) in the proportion of 25%:75% or DG 1:3, with efficiency (η) of 3.45%, against 2.43% and 1.90% for DG 1:1 and DG 3:1 cells, respectively. Cells with BODIPY dyes also present higher conversion efficiencies compared to BORANIL cells. The results corroborate the presentation of organic solar cells as a viable option for electricity generation.

WS2/WN interface-triggered energetic triiodide reduction activity to enhance performance of solar cells

The sluggish triiodide reduction activity poses a significant challenge that hinders the acquisition of high efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, a one-step thermal reduction strategy is adopted to in situ construct a two-dimensional layered WS2/WN heterostructure and couple it onto N-doped carbon spheres (labeled as WS2/WN-NC). The constructed DSSC with WS2/WN-NC counter electrode (CE) reaches as high as power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.52 %, surpassing that of pure Pt (8.33 %). Theoretical calculations combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveal that electrons can easily induce the transfer of electrons from WS2 to WN and regulate the charge states of WS2 and WN, concentrating abundant electrons at the WS2/WN interface, which is conducive to inhibiting the coupling of iodide ions. Electron microscopy reveals that the layered WS2/WN adheres to the N-doped carbon spheres, which can prevent stacking and thereby accelerate the electron transport rate. Additionally, due to the supporting role of the carbon spheres, the WS2/WN active substances can be fully utilized, thereby enhancing the triiodide catalytic activity. Therefore, the structure-activity relationship between the two can complement and enhance each other, thereby optimizing the DSSC reaction kinetics and enhancing the photoelectric conversion efficiency and stability.

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

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

Interface structure of PN junctions in NiO–WO3–FTO photoelectrode for efficient DSSCs and enhanced photoresponses

In the current global energy crisis, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with excellent performance and loaded with P/N type semiconductor heterojunctions (PN junctions) has attracted huge attention in renewable energy research. This study reports the unique energy level structure and synergistic effect of the PN junction interfaces in response to light. Photoelectrodes containing NiO–WO3 nano-powder (NPs) layers were synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates by a simple method, which can respond to full-spectrum absorption of sunlight. In this study, the carrier densities in the P-type and N-type semiconductor heterojunctions at a light intensity of 2 SUN (2000 W/m2) were 1.38 × 1028 m−3 and 4.27 × 1028 m−3, respectively. These values are 2.7 and 1.9 times higher than those in dark conditions, indicating that the electrode excels in converting light into electrical energy, outperforming other reported results. Although PN junctions are often used in applications such as DSSCs and energy storage devices, the photoresponses of the heterojunction energy band structure still need to be elucidated. In this work, the analysis of the charge depletion region width revealed the electron transfer mechanism during the charge and discharge process under light illumination. Additionally, the electrochemical experiment demonstrated the impact of space charge at the interface on the energy levels. Furthermore, by studying the energy level structure of the PN junction, it was confirmed that the internal resistance decreases and the photocurrent increases under light conditions. The design and application flexibility of the PN junctions were verified based on these results and the possible applications of this photoelectrode in solar cells were elucidated.

(Invited) Development of Fused Porphyrin Sensitizers for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted considerable attention as an alternative to silicon-based solar cells due to their potential advantages in terms of power conversion efficiency, production cost, design flexibility, and indoor use. Because the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs strongly depends on sensitizers, various kinds of sensitizers have been developed. Among them, porphyrin sensitizers have made remarkable contribution to performance improvement in DSSCs. The push–pull type porphyrin sensitizers have displayed excellent light-harvesting ability and demonstrated high power conversion efficiencies more than 10% in DSSCs.Meanwhile, incorporation of aromatic-fused structure into a porphyrin core is a fascinating option for highly efficient DSSCs because of direct π-expansion of the porphyrin core and resultant red-shifted absorption. However, aromatic-fused porphyrin sensitizers have suffered rather low cell performances due to their mismatch of HOMO-LUMO levels, high aggregation tendency, and short lifetime of the excited states. Bearing these in mind, we envisioned that the introduction of methylene-bridged fused structure into a porphyrin core would overcome these drawbacks, boosting the cell performance. In this context, we designed and synthesized a series of methylene-bridged thiophene-fused porphyrin sensitizers and revealed that the DSSC of thiophene-fused porphyrin sensitizer achieved the highest power conversion efficiency ever reported for DSSCs with aromatic-fused porphyrin sensitizers. Furthermore, rational molecular design can realize further enhancement of the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs with thiophene-fused porphyrin sensitizers.

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

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

Surface modification of TiO2 photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells using reduced graphene oxide: A computational and experimental study

This study investigated the modification of TiO2 photoanodes using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to enhance electron transport channels and prevent recombination processes, thereby improving the photovoltaic performance. Through the ultraviolet (UV)-assisted photoreduction of GO on TiO2 coated on a fluoride tin oxide substrate (FTO|TiO2), we demonstrated the successful integration of rGO. This was evidenced by the increased Csp2 content observed during X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and reduced photogenerated electron–hole recombination observed during photoluminescence spectroscopy. The incorporation of rGO significantly improved the photocurrent density and power conversion efficiency (PCE). A 12 % increase was observed in the PCE, which reached 8.5 % when the UV irradiation time was optimized from 10 to 15 min compared with the 7.57 % in the standard cell (rGO-0 min). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that the optimized rGO content enhanced the electron lifetime and recombination resistance, attributable to the high conductivity and large specific surface area of rGO. DFT simulation further elucidated how improved charge separation and transport mechanisms of TiO2–rGO heterojunction. This study highlights the potential of TiO2–rGO materials as promising electrodes for improving the efficiency, capacity, and stability of dye-sensitized solar cells.