Efficient Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

BODIPY-Based Macrostructures: A Design Strategy toward Enhancing the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Among the metal-free dyes, boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) has attracted much attention in the solar cell industry due to its thermal stability and tunable electronic and photophysical properties. However, the low power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells based on BODIPY has limited their widespread application. Accordingly, different types of structural modifications have already been proposed to improve the photophysical properties of the BODIPY dyes. In this study, we used the strategy of constructing BODIPY-based covalent macrostructures by integrating two BODIPY subunits via a π-linker in linear and cyclic configurations. To this end, various types of the π-linkers including butadiyne, phenyl, and thiophene derivatives are considered. The structural, electronic, and optical properties as well as the photovoltaic performance of BODIPY dimers are theoretically calculated within DCM solvent. The results indicate that for a given linker, the BODIPY dimers with a linear configuration show better performance as compared to their macrocyclic counterparts. The reason is the enhancement of π-conjugation length, higher light harvesting ability, and proper charge carrier separation in linearly linked BODIPYs. In the cyclic series, the dyes incorporating phenyl linkers exhibit greater power conversion efficiency of up to 9%. For the dyes with a linear configuration, the involvement of a thienyl-thiophene bridge results in lower charge recombination and enhances the efficiency by up to 15%, which are expected to be potential candidates for organic dyes applied in DSSCs.

Revolutionizing dye-sensitized solar cells with nanomaterials for enhanced photoelectric performance

Dye-sensitized solar cells have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional solar cells due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of fabrication. In recent years, the integration of nanomaterials into dye-sensitized solar cells has garnered substantial attention, offering new avenues to enhance their photoelectric performance. This review comprehensively examines the role of nanomaterials in elevating the efficiency and functionality of dye-sensitized solar cells. The fundamental principles of dye-sensitized solar cells are introduced, emphasizing the intricate interplay between crucial components that enable light absorption, charge separation, and electron transport. Nanomaterials play important roles across the entire spectrum of photoelectric conversion of dye-sensitized solar cells, e.g., constructing light-trapping architectures, creating interlayer transmission bridges, and facilitating charge carrier transport pathways, thus offering cost-effective alternatives to precious metals. Furthermore, this review concludes the central role of nanomaterials in shaping the landscape of flexible optoelectronic materials, highlighting their paramount importance in this area. The extensive scientific insights presented herein not only showcase the cutting-edge achievements in solar energy conversion efficiency but also serve as a comprehensive guide for the proper selection of nanomaterials. Finally, this work outlines the forthcoming challenges and offers insights into promising research avenues based on a comprehensive examination of various scholarly pursuits. Unlike other reviews that focus on the analyses of structures or components, this review concentrates on the impact of nanomaterials on the overall photoelectric performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and advancing relevant research, dye-sensitized solar cells hold promise as a significant contributor to the global transition toward clean and renewable energy sources.

Enhanced photovoltaic performance of dye sensitized solar cells using cesium bromide modified TiO2 electron transport layer

TiO2 is one of the most widely explored materials as an electron transport layer (ETL) in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. However, recombination at the device's interface slackens the charge carrier movement, adversely affecting their device performance. Rapid extraction of photogenerated charge carriers plays a vital role in developing high efficiency DSSCs. The conduction band alignment of TiO2 ETL and N719 dye light absorber plays a crucial role in charge carrier dynamics of DSSCs. Herein, the band structure of TiO2 ETL is finely tuned by the incorporation of cesium bromide (CsBr). At the optimal concentration (0.4 Wt. %), DSSCs achieved the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.28 % compared to 7.61 % for pristine TiO2. The modified TiO2–CsBr ETL induced a negative shift in flat band potential (Vfb) from −0.46 to −0.50 V, which improved the open circuit voltage (VOC), its work function (ɸ) from −4.71 to −3.75 eV and increased conduction band minimum (CBM) from −3.58 to −2.42 eV. CsBr incorporation increased electron density in TiO2 matrix, indicating the suppression of trap state and significantly improved the overall photovoltaic performance of DSSCs.

Co-sensitization effect of chlorophyll and anthocyanin on optical absorption properties and power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells

Co-sensitization effect of chlorophyll and anthocyanin on optical absorption properties and power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells

Effect of Size and Morphology of Different ZnO Nanostructures on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In this study, the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with various morphologies on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was investigated. Photo-electrodes were fabricated incorporating ZnO transport layers of distinct nanoscale morphologies—namely nanoparticles, microballs, spiky microballs, belts, and triangles—and their respective current–voltage characteristics were evaluated. It was observed that the DSSCs employing the triangular ZnO nanostructures, with a side length of approximately 30 nm, achieved the highest power conversion efficiency of 2.62%. This was closely followed by the DSSCs using spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of approximately 20 nm, yielding an efficiency of 2.54%. In contrast, the efficiencies of DSSCs with microball and spiky microball ZnO nanostructures were significantly lower, measuring 0.31 and 1.79%, respectively. The reduction in efficiency for the microball-based DSSCs is attributed to the formation of micro-cracks within the thin film during the fabrication process. All DSSC configurations maintained a uniform active area of 4 mm². Remarkably, the highest fill factor of 59.88% was recorded for DSSCs utilizing the triangular ZnO morphology, with the spherical nanoparticles attaining a marginally lower fill factor of 59.38%. This investigation corroborates the hypothesis that reduced particle size in the transport layer correlates with enhanced DSSC performance, which is further amplified when the nanoparticles possess pointed geometries that induce strong electric fields due to elevated charge concentrations.

High Electronic Coupling between Cu Complexes and Oxidized Dyes Confirmed by Measurements of Driving Force Dependent Regeneration Kinetics in Minimal Electrolyte System.

We confirm fast regeneration kinetics between copper complexes and oxidized organic dyes and the major contribution of electronic coupling (HDA). The highest efficiency of dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells has been shown by employing Cu complex redox couples. Various groups have reported a fast regeneration rate of oxidized dyes by Cu complexes giving a low driving force attributed to low reorganization energy (λ), but the effect of HDA has not been evaluated. The values of HDA and λ can be derived from driving force dependent transient absorption (TA) measurements. However, analyzing TA decay using Cu complexes is not trivial because accelerated recombination by the presence of Cu2+ complexes and biphasic TA decay often complicates the analysis. Here we employ 16 Cu1+ and Co2+ complexes and two dyes. To simplify the system, i.e., making a minimal electrolyte system, Cu2+ and Co3+ complexes and a common additive of 4-tert-butylpyridine are not used. From the driving force dependent TA decays of oxidized dyes by both Cu1+ and Co2+ complexes, λ for the combination of the Cu complexes and dyes is found to be about 0.15 eV lower than that of Co complexes. Approximately 3 to 5 times higher HDA values of Cu complexes than those of Co complexes are obtained, which is the dominant factor for faster rates. The values vary with the structure of the molecules, showing the possibility of increasing the HDA values further. The higher HDA values of a Cu complex than that of a Co complex are also reproduced by quantum chemical calculations.

Performance test of Zn-astaxanthin complex-sensitized solar cell: effect of light intensity on open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current values.

The sensitizer is one of the most essential dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) components. In the present research, a Zn-astaxanthin complex was investigated as a sensitizer, compared to pure astaxanthin. The complex with a 1:1 mole ratio between astaxanthin and Zn2+ was synthesized in a reflux reactor at 37-60 °C. The product was analyzed using Proton Nuclear Resonance (1H-NMR), which indicates the presence of chelate formation between Zn2+ with two atoms of oxygen on the terminal cyclohexane ring of astaxanthin. The interaction of sensitizers (astaxanthin and Zn-astaxanthin) on the photoelectrode surface in this study was analyzed using a Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The FTIR spectra of photoelectrode immersed in Zn-astaxanthin show peaks of C=O stretching and vibration -OH group at 1730 and 1273 cm-1, respectively, and H-C-H stretching vibration with high intensity in 2939, 2923, and 2853 cm-1. The UV-Vis DRS analysis shows the band gap of photoelectrode (PE), photoelectrode immersed in astaxanthin (PE/astaxanthin), and Zn-astaxanthin (PE/Zn-astaxanthin) are 3.19, 1.65, and 1.59 eV, respectively. Under illumination intensity of 300 W/m2, the maximum energy conversion efficiency of DSSC with Zn-astaxanthin as sensitizer is (0.03 ± 0.0022)%, higher than DSSC with astaxanthin as sensitizer ((0.12 ± 0.0052)%). Up to 70 h of illumination, DSSC with Zn-astaxanthin as a sensitizer also has better stability than astaxanthin-based DSSC.

Morphological and Compositional Study of Nitrogen-TiO₂ Anchored Composite with Azo Dyes in a DSSC

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].

Laser-induced nitrogen and boron co-doped graphene film for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

Heteroatom-doped graphenes play a crucial role in developing metal-free electrocatalysts for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This work demonstrates an approach to synthesizing nitrogen and boron dual-doped porous graphene as an efficient DSSC counter electrode (CE) by one-step laser induction technology. The morphologies, crystal structure, and chemical composition of N and/or B-doped laser-induced graphene were characterized and confirmed by SEM, XRD, and XPS measurements. Electrochemical results indicate that the conductivity and electrocalalytic activity of the nitrogen and boron co-doped graphene (BN-LIG) for triiodide reduction were enhanced after B-doping. Hence, the DSSC based on BN-LIG CE achieved a power conversion efficiency of 4.99%, which is 90.9% of a DSSC with Pt CE.

Numerical Investigation of a Highly Efficient Hole Transport Layer-Free Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on N719 Dye

Numerical Investigation of a Highly Efficient Hole Transport Layer-Free Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on N719 Dye

Computational design and experimental investigation of novel thiophene-based organic dyes with N,N-dimethylaminophenyl and morpholinophenyl donors for dye-sensitized solar cells

A new series of thiophene-based organic chromophores (4–7 a, b) has been developed through structural engineering of the electron donor (D) group, incorporating N,N-dimethylaminophenyl and morpholinophenyl, and acceptor moieties such as benzonitrile and flurobenzonitrile. Additionally, a π-linkage of phenylthiophene was inserted. The effects of various donating and accepting groups, as well as the spacer, on the geometrical, energetic, absorption, and photovoltaic properties of these sensitizers were investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent DFT. The sensitizers were optimized in their ground state using selected functional methods. Furthermore, key properties such as absorbance, frequency, energies of Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO), energy gap, dipole moment, and global reactivity descriptors were calculated using quantum chemical calculations. These spectral properties and quantum chemical calculations provide valuable insights into the potential use of these sensitizers in photonic devices. The results obtained from analyzing light harvesting efficiency (LHE), free energy injection (ΔGinj), and open circuit voltage (Voc) demonstrate that these dyes show promising characteristics for future experimental studies and offer guidelines for improving the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. By employing structural modifications and investigating the electronic properties of these newly developed chromophores, this study contributes to the understanding of their behavior and potential applications in photonic devices. The findings provide a foundation for further experimental investigations and offer valuable insights for the development of more efficient dye-sensitized solar cells.

Improved device performance with 4-amino-TEMPO derivatives for fiber dye-sensitized solar cells and organic light-emitting diodes

4-Amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (4-Amino-TEMPO; 4AT), has been used as a photo-catalyst to boost photo-catalytic activity, are a promising approach for improving the efficiency of fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs) and fiber-shaped organic light-emitting diodes (FOLEDs). Herein, one of the 4AT, 4-p-toluenesulfonamide-TEMPO (ATpTS) was successfully synthesized by using a dropwise method. The synthesized ATpTS showed an extraordinary photo-catalytic effect and significantly enhanced performance compared to the pristine-based active layer for both solid-state electrolytes of the FDSSCs (SS-FDSSCs) and FOLEDs. Briefly, a power conversion efficiency increment of 22.8% is recorded for the ATpTS-enhanced SS-FDSSCs; whereas an external quantum efficiency increment of 45.4% is achieved for the ATpTS-enhanced FOLEDs.

Boosting DSSC efficiency via acid-base co-sensitization with N-1 dye

This work presents a comprehensive investigation of a novel organic dye, N-1, as a sensitizer and co-sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) co-sensitized with Ru (II)-based N3 and N719 metal dyes. These co-sensitizers contain a carbazole ring as a donor scaffold linked to an electron-withdrawing pyridyl acceptor. In this study, we demonstrate the significant impact of a base dye (N-1) containing a pyridine anchoring unit on the photovoltaic performance of the standard dyes N3 and N719. This strategy takes advantage of the capacity of the carboxylic and pyridine moieties to attach to the Brønsted-acidic and Lewis-acidic positions of TiO2 interfaces, thereby diminishing the competing adsorption of dyes and augmenting dye deposition on TiO2 surfaces. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in electron recombination and a boost in photovoltage. Additionally, the effect of sensitizer/co-sensitizer concentration on device performance was thoroughly examined. The results indicated that devices fabricated using the co-sensitizer N-1 with sensitizers N3 and N719 at all concentrations outperformed N3 and N719. Notably, the best photovoltaic performance was obtained for the co-sensitized device fabricated using 0.3 mM acid-base N-1 along with N3 sensitizer, displaying a power conversion efficiency of 10.18 % with a short-circuit current density of 19.12 mA.cm−2, open-circuit voltage of 750 mV, and fill factor of 71 %. These findings shed light on the development of new and efficient systems for DSSCs.

Combined experimental and DFT investigation on photovoltaic performance of low-cost metal-free organic dye-sensitized solar cells

Metal-free organic dyes, viz. eosin yellow (eosin-Y), fluorescein and curcumin were used as sensitizers in zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles thin film photoanode based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and also investigated by density functional theory (DFT). UV–vis spectrophotometer was employed to determine absorption feature of dyes in solar spectrum, adsorption tendency towards ZnO photoanode surface, molar-extinction coefficient and desorbed dye molecules from the photoanode surface. The photovoltaic performance of metal-free organic DSSCs employing imidazole based liquid electrolyte and platinum counter electrode was evaluated under standard light exposure of 85 mW/cm2. Among the dyes, eosin-Y DSSC delivered overall energy conversion efficiency (η) of 0.95 % with short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 2.98 mA cm−2, open-circuit photovoltage (Voc) of 0.54 V and fill factor (FF) of 0.50, which was about 20 % and 40 % higher than that of the energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs sensitized with fluorescein and curcumin dyes, respectively. The better photovoltaic performance exhibited by the eosin-Y DSSC is credited to its high molar extinction coefficient, intense light absorption in the solar spectrum and good adsorption on ZnO thin film photoanode surface. The maximum driving force for dye molecules regeneration and electron injection value of eosin-Y dye attached on the surface of ZnO cluster (eosin-Y + ZnO) resulted in higher Voc. The outcomes of this experimental data are in well agreement with DFT results.

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

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

Light absorption enhancement in dye-sensitized solar cells using thin nanostructured photoelectrodes

As thin-film solar cells are the attraction of many research works nowadays, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) among other types hold the promise of excellent cost/performance ratio because of the relatively low material costs and simple processing conditions. In order to improve its relatively low performance, different approaches are being explored to enhance the photon-to-current conversion efficiency. Notably, one of the most accessible approaches is by modifying the optical characteristics of the photoelectrode of DSSCs to improve light trapping within the cell. Here, we introduce a cost-effective nanopatterning process done on the photo-active TiO2 photoelectrode layer for better light absorption. This simple technique resulted in increased cell short-circuit current density (from 4.664 to 5.963 mA/cm2) which consequently enhanced cell efficiency (from 2.243 to 2.819%). Furthermore, without compromising the absorption significantly, nanopatterned photoelectrodes with a smaller thickness can lead to reduced material costs and possibly allowing the construction of semitransparent cells. This work can contribute to an attainable efficient DSSC manufacturing route for practical applications.

Effects of Several Auxiliary Acceptors and Anchoring Groups on Charge Transfer and Photophysical Properties of D-A-π-A Type DSSCs: A DFT Study.

In this paper, we performed theoretical studies on the twelve D-A-π-A type organic dyes (G-1 ~ G-3, M-1 ~ M-3, J-1 ~ J-3, and S-1 ~ S-3) with 9-phenylcarbazole as the electron donor in anticipation of the application of these dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). DFT and TD-DFT methods are applied to investigate in detail the molecular geometries, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), absorption spectra, charge density difference (CDD), and transition density matrix (TDM) of several dyes. The results show that the M-series (M-1 ~ M-3) dyes have the largest dihedral angles between the electron donor and the auxiliary acceptor and also has the largest energy gaps in HOMO-LUMO orbitals, which greatly reduces the charge transfer efficiency. Finally, the UV-Vis absorption spectra inferred that the anchoring groups modified with o-nitrobenzoic acid (G-3, M-3, J-3, S-3) can red-shift the absorption peaks of the dyes, which results in higher light-harvesting efficiency and improves the power conversion efficiency of DSSCs. Overall, all of these dyes contribute to the improvement of photovoltaic power conversion efficiency and have potential for application in DSSCs devices.

Urea–acetamide-based deep eutectic compound as novel, eco-friendly additives in stable and efficient dye-sensitized solar cells: A performance and electrochemical study

Deep eutectic solvents of urea and acetamide at molar ratios of 1:1 (UA11) and 1:2 (UA12) were investigated as new, eco-friendly, and effective electrolyte additive candidates to replace the commonly used 4‑tert-butylpyridine additive in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Both UA11 and UA12 resulted in a high open circuit potential (VOC) of about 745 mV, which was very competitive to a VOC of 754 mV from DSCs using 4‑tert-butylpyridine (4-TBP). After 2240 h of storage, performance dropped 8% in devices using UA11 compared to about 25% of devices using 4-TBP as an additive. Our time-series data analysis revealed the correlation between the short circuit current (JSC) drop and the increase of counter-electrode resistance. In addition, by examining the VOC correlation between working electrode resistance and working electrode capacitance in four electrolyte groups (NAd, UA11, UA12, 4-TBP), we could speculate the effects of the DES urea-acetamide as well as 4-TBP. 4-TBP could improve the VOC by adsorption to the bare TiO2 surface and diminish the recombination reaction. On the other hand, 4-TBP could interact with iodine species in the electrolyte solution to minimize the current leakage from the TiO2 surface to the iodine species. In the case of UA11 and UA12, the additive seemed to interact with the iodine species only.

Effect of modified titanium dioxide photoanode and agarose gel electrolyte on electrochemical studies of dye-sensitized solar cell

Recently, the study of new DSSC structures such as photoanodes, electrolytes, and counter electrodes (CE) have gained the attention of researchers. Combining these features allows DSSC to have a flexible and versatile way of working. Titanium dioxide-graphene (TiO2-G) nanocomposite containing 3 wt % graphene (G) was successfully fabricated and employed as the photoanode for the fabrication of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Agarose (3 wt %) together with potassium iodide (KI) were prepared as gel electrolytes and polyaniline-graphene oxide (PANI-GO) served as the counter electrode (CE). In UV–visible spectroscopy, doping of graphene on TiO2 led to a remarkable reduction of the band gap energy from 3.0 eV (TiO2) to 2.4 eV (TiO2-G). The presence of agarose in the KI solution facilitated the creation of fine channels, promoting ionic transfer in electrolytes, as revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Moreover, the current-voltage (I–V) curve for TiO2-G/3 wt % agarose gel electrolyte/PANI-GO demonstrated a power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 1.1324% with optimal values for short circuit current density (JSC), open circuit voltage (VOC), and fill factor (FF) of 34.48 mA/cm2, 0.1105 V, and 0.2972, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) illustrated redox potential occurrences at −0.2 V and +0.2 V, corresponding to oxidation and reduction processes, confirming the chemical stability of DSSC. The system demonstrated stability after 10 cycles, maintaining consistent current (μA) and voltage (V) patterns even after 20 cycles. These results demonstrate the efficient and cost-effective DSSC system's capacity to maintain stability and guarantee consistent energy conversion.

Introduction thioindigo as new high stability unit in Ru-complex for DSSCs: Theoretical and photovoltaic investigation

New Ru-dyes were designed with indoline and thioindigo groups for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Thioindigo was used as an effective substitute for improving fastness properties, and the synthesis efficiency of dyes 1 and 2 was 78 and 82 %, respectively. Cyanoacrylic acid is a suitable electron-withdrawing group in the preparation of photosensitizers, which improved the conversion efficiency by about 88 % in this research. The optical response of the complexes was evaluated theoretically and experimentally. The presence of cyano groups effectively bonds with the semiconductor layer, resulting in a better photovoltaic response. Furthermore, the prepared complexes have two types of electron withdrawing groups, carboxylic acid and cyanoacrylic acid, which yield 3.29 % and 6.23 % efficiency, respectively. In addition, co-sensitization using two prepared complexes and N719 was studied and analyzed. The efficiency of DSSCs prepared with N719 and complexes 1 and 2 was 8.10 and 9.49 %, respectively.