Electrolytes For Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Water as Dual-Function Plasticizer and Cosolvent in Gel Electrolytes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

This study presents a novel approach to developing eco-friendly dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using natural and renewable materials for gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), reducing reliance on unsustainable solvents. Water is added to polar aprotic solvents, specifically ethylene carbonate/propylene carbonate (EC/PC), across various mass fractions (0:100 to 100:0). An amphiphilic hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) natural polymer is employed to formulate GPEs within this water-EC/PC cosolvent system, achieving successful gelation up to 50:50 mass fractions. Incorporating water reduced the gel strength and viscosity of the GPEs. Water acted as a plasticizer, enhancing the polymer chains mobility, and creating a more flexible and permeable structure. This increased ion diffusion coefficients and ion mobility, resulting in a maximum ionic conductivity of 18.17 mS cm-1. The highest efficiency achieved in DSSCs using these GPEs is 5.81%, with elevated short-circuit current density and reduced recombination losses. However, some compositions experienced syneresis, affecting their stability. The GPE with a 40:60 mass fraction exhibited superior long-term stability because it is free from syneresis, though it achieved a lower efficiency (4.83%), making it the best-performing sample. This work demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of using gel polymer electrolytes in an aqueous system, improving DSSC efficiency and sustainability.

Polystyrene/Polyacrylonitrile/Polyindole based quasi solid electrolytes for DSSCs: Boosting both efficiency and stability

Recently, the utilization of quasi solid electrolytes has increased to overcome the stability and leakage issues caused by using liquid electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells. For this purpose, the novel different amounts of polystyrene/polyacrylonitrile/polyindole based quasi solid electrolytes were prepared and characterized via FTIR, GPC, TGA, DSC and electrochemical procedures. We aimed to develop conductive polymer-based solid electrolytes to be used in DSSCs to improve both solar cell conversion efficiency and stability. The conversion efficiency value of the solar cell using semi-solid electrolyte (PC4) boosted (9.91%) compared to the one using liquid electrolyte (9.74%). Additionally, the solar cells’ stabilities prepared with quasi solid electrolytes are two times higher than solar cells including liquid electrolytes. Therefore, in this study, the potentials of using conductive polymer-based quasi solid electrolytes in DSSCs were investigated and promising results were acquired for future applications.

A polysaccharide extracted from guar beans-based gel polymer electrolytes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Liquid electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), while effective in minimizing recombination of TiO2 conduction band with redox couple (I−/I3−), suffer from leakage and evaporation issues, hindering commercialization. Although solid-state electrolytes were introduced as an alternative, their performance is constrained by poor electrode contact. To solve these issues, gel polymer electrolytes (GPE) have been formulated based on guar gum (GG) crosslinked with poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG 200) incorporating potassium iodide (KI) as the doping salt. The incorporation of PEG 200 into the GPE allows a stable gel polymer electrolyte to form by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the organic solvent. The GPE boasts a structure free from leakage, showcases captivating ionic conductivity and thermal stability. Comprehensive structural and thermal analyses, including Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) have been carried out. The electrochemical properties of the GPE were also studied via Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and are significantly enhanced with higher concentration of KI introduced into the GPE. The highest ionic conductivity (σ) value of 9.76 × 10−3 S cm−1 is obtained in the GPE contained 40 wt% KI, with an efficiency of 5.65 %. Importantly, this study introduces a better and effective approach for designing electrolyte materials with high ionic conductivity, efficiency, and stability in DSSC.

Characterization and Application of Natural Photosensitizer and Poly(vinylidene Fluoride) Nanofiber Membranes-Based Electrolytes in DSSC

This comprehensive research has explored the potential of enhancing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) by harnessing environmentally friendly natural dyes, such as chlorophyll pigments from pandanus (664.1 nm) and papaya leaves (664.0 nm), as well as betacyanin pigments from sappan-mangosteen (536.2 nm). Electrochemical analyses elucidated the energy band gaps, revealing a hierarchy with the smallest band gap observed for papaya leaves (1.387 eV), followed closely by sappan-mangosteen (1.389 eV) and pandan leaves (1.396 eV). This research effectively addressed the persistent issue of electrolyte leakage in DSSC development by introducing a polymer electrolyte derived from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) through electrospinning and phase inversion techniques. SEM characterization results and thermogravimetric analysis underscored the superior characteristics and high thermal stability of the PVDF nanofiber polymer for DSSC applications. The study's pivotal findings underscore the remarkable DSSC performance achieved with chlorophyll pigment from papaya leaves, reaching 1.31% efficiency without a polymer electrolyte. Moreover, the sappan-mangosteen dye emerged as a promising contender with the highest efficiency values when applied with polymer electrolyte, recording rates of 1.17% for PVDF NF and 0.95% for PVDF, which are notably comparable to the efficiency of liquid electrolyte at 1.26%.

Carbon nanotubes reinforced poly (methyl methacrylate) polymer composites for the application as classic performance quasi-solid-state dye-Sensitized solar cell electrolytes

Our study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of solar power systems by developing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with an electrolyte of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed in poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Photovoltaic and impedance spectral studies showed that a polymer electrolyte with 3% carbon nanotubes resulted in an efficiency of solar power conversion of 7.40% and a photovoltaic current per unit cross-sectional area of 17.13 mA/cm2 in DSSCs. The optimal distribution of CNT fillers decreased the charge recombination of the titanium dioxide-dye-CNT-PMMA electrolyte surface. The X-ray diffraction spectrum showed characteristic peaks of PMMA and CNT at 28.6° and 63.0°, respectively, obtained in pure form and composites with dispersed carbon nanotubes. The peak intensity increased with the addition of CNTs in the polymer. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigation revealed the bonding within the CO and CH of PMMA and CNT to the polymer composite. The dielectric constant increased from 2.9 to 4.4, and the dielectric loss increased from 0.10 to 0.90 at 1 MHz for the dispersion of 6% CNT in PMMA. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the internal particle structure and porosity had changed due to the presence of the CNTs in the PMMA. The dispersion of CNTs into the PMMA increased the maximum voltage of the polymer electrolytes. A breakdown voltage of 7.4 kV was attained with 6% CNTs in the polymer.

Moving Beyond Choline: Protic Choline Iodide Analogues toward Cosolvent-Free, Self-Contained Deep Eutectic Electrolytes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Moving Beyond Choline: Protic Choline Iodide Analogues toward Cosolvent-Free, Self-Contained Deep Eutectic Electrolytes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Investigating the efficacy of functionalized graphene oxide with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane as an effective additive in sustainable ionic liquid-based electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells through experimental and DFT studies

The focus of the study has been on the first-ever use of functionalized graphene oxide with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (FGO-POSS) as an effective additive to ionic liquid-based electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The electrolytes consisted of binary ionic liquids (ILs), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide (EMII), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide (BMII). Different concentrations of the efficient additive FGO-POSS, ranging from 0% to 1%, were incorporated into the electrolytes.Under highly controlled conditions, a series of reactions was conducted to synthesize FGO-POSS. By reacting graphene oxide (GO) with L-phenylalanine, initially, GO-L-phenylalanine was obtained. In the next phase, GO-L-Phenylalanine reacted with SSQ-[3-(2-Aminoethyl) amino] propyl-Heptaisobutyl substituted to modify its structure with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). The ILs, namely EMII, and BMII, were synthesized using the scientific methodologies detailed in the referenced articles. Furthermore, BMII was functionalized with CuI (BMICuI-2) through a specific procedure.Five types of electrolytes were prepared to be employed in DSSCs using prepared ILs and FGO-POSS, and their results were reported to show the electrical and gelatin features of these types of electrolytes. According to this study's findings, using FGO-POSS as an innovative and efficient additive in ILs-based environmentally sustainable nanocomposite electrolytes in an amount of 0.75 wt% increased the value of the short circuit current density (JSC) from 9.433 mA.cm−2 to 15.592 mA.cm−2, the open circuit voltage (VOC) from 0.738 V to 0.762 V, and the overall efficiency (η) increased from 4.965 to 8.303 %. The FGO-POSS and ILs, EMII, and BMICuI-2 boost electron transport and electrolyte conductivity, resulting in increased JSC, VOC, and η. Results of the density functional theory (DFT) calculation indicated that the adsorption of the FGO-POSS electrolyte additives on the TiO2 electrode surface produces midgap states in the band gap of TiO2, resulting in the reduction of the total bandgap and less barrier electron transfer and a redshift in the adsorption edge and enhancement of DSSCs' efficiency.

Chemically synthesized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conducting polymer as a robust electrocatalyst for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells.

Chemically synthesized PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) nanomaterials, with various nanostructured morphologies as well as different intrinsic electrical conductivities and crystallinities, were compared as electrocatalysts for Co(III) reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Electrochemical parameters, charge transfer resistance toward the electrode/electrolyte interface, catalytic activity for Co(III)-reduction, and diffusion of cobalt redox species greatly depend on the morphology, crystallinity, and intrinsic electrical conductivity of the chemically synthesized PEDOTs and optimization of the fabrication procedure for counter electrodes. The PEDOT counter electrode, fabricated by spin coating a DMSO-dispersed PEDOT solution with an ordered 1D structure and nanosized fibers averaging 70 nm in diameter and an electrical conductivity of ∼16 S cm-1, exhibits the lowest charge transfer resistance, highest diffusion for a cobalt redox mediator and superior electrocatalytic performance compared to a traditional Pt-counter electrode. The photovoltaic performance of the DSSC using chemically synthesized PEDOT exceeds that of a Pt-electrode device because of the enhanced current density, which is directly related to the superior electrocatalytic ability of PEDOT for Co(III)-reduction. This simple spin-coated counter electrode prepared using cheap and scalable chemically synthesized PEDOT can be a potential alternative to the expensive Pt-counter electrode for cobalt and other redox electrolytes in DSSCs and various flexible electronic devices.

Use of deep eutectic solvents in environmentally-friendly dye-sensitized solar cells and their physicochemical properties: a brief review.

A novel way to mitigate the greenhouse effect is to use dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to convert carbon dioxide from the air into useful products, such as hydrocarbons, which can also store energy from the sun, a plentiful, clean, and safe resource. The conversion of CO2 can help reduce the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. However, there is a major obstacle in using DSSCs, since many solar devices operate with organic electrolytes, producing pollutants including toxic substances. Therefore, a key research area is to find new eco-friendly electrolytes that can effectively dissolve carbon dioxide. One option is to use deep eutectic solvents (DESs), which are potential substitutes for ionic liquids (ILs) and have similar advantages, such as being customizable, economical, and environmentally friendly. DESs are composed of low-cost materials and have very low toxicity and high biodegradability, making them suitable for use as electrolytes in DSSCs, within the framework of green chemistry. The purpose of this brief review is to explore the existing knowledge about how CO2 dissolves in DESs and how these solvents can be used as electrolytes in solar devices, especially in DSSCs. The physical and chemical properties of the DESs are described, and areas are suggested where further research should be focused.

The Effect of Different Concentrations of Molybdenum Trioxide in Electrolyte for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs): Performance Enhancement of DSSCs

The Effect of Different Concentrations of Molybdenum Trioxide in Electrolyte for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs): Performance Enhancement of DSSCs

Asymmetric dual species copper(ii/i) electrolyte dye-sensitized solar cells with 35.6% efficiency under indoor light

Addressing undesirable recombination in indoor light harvesting dye-sensitized solar cells using innovative dual species copper electrolyte concept realizing a record PCE of 35.6%. A sustainable alternative to primary batteries for self-powered IoTs & indoor photovoltaics.

Sonochemically tailored Copper Oxide as nanofiller in terpolymer composite gel electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells

This article describes the impact of several weight percentages of copper oxide (CuO) as a nanofiller on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). CuO-350 was synthesized using a sonochemical method following by calcination at 350 ℃ and was incorporated into the polymer-salt system to develop a polymer composite gel electrolyte (PCGE). The improvement in the amorphous phase and complexation between the constituents were proven via X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared. However, the thermal stability declines with the addition of CuO-350 nanofillers. It was found that TCuO350–5 exhibited the highest ionic conductivity and apparent diffusion coefficient of triiodide of (3.49±0.01)×10−3 S cm−1 and 1.48 × 10−5 cm2 s−1, respectively. The best-performing sample among PCGE is found to be TCuO350–5, containing 5 wt% of CuO-350 with an efficiency of 7.69% with JSC of 23.47 mA cm−2, VOC of 0.62 V, and fill factor of 52.9%. In addition, it also has the highest charge collection efficiency (87.31%) and longest electron lifetime (1.446 s). TCuO350–5 has achieved the stability of the device with efficiency retained 92% at room temperature and retains 80% efficiency even at 80 ℃.

Kinetics of Charge Transfer at Carbon-Based Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Aqueous Electrolytes

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) might provide a highly sustainable alternative for next generation photovoltaics. This is due to their low-energy production from abundant materials, short energy payback time, high efficiency under low illumination intensities (i.e., diffuse light or indoor conditions), and versatile concepts of applications. However, some commonly used electrolyte components are environmentally problematic. Acetonitrile or other volatile organic solvents, e.g., as well as carcinogenic cobalt complexes should not leak from DSSCs. Sealing foils, however, which are typically used to prevent such leakage, carry a risk of long-term failure.Replacing the organic solvent by water offers several advantages, as it is environmentally benign, less volatile and the cell function, further, cannot be damaged by the intrusion of water vapor. Instead of Co-complexes, e.g., the stable organic radical TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tretramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) can serve as an alternative redox mediator with a highly positive redox potential (0.71 V vs. NHE). Using TEMPO, power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 4.3% and high open-circuit voltages (V oc = 0.955 V) have been reported.[1] However, the use of TEMPO is limited by its solubility in water (C max < 0.15 M). Its derivative 4-hydroxy-TEMPO (OH-TEMPO) possesses a significantly higher solubility in water (C max > 2 M) and a more positive redox potential (0.81 V vs. NHE), making it a promising candidate as a redox mediator.In this work, we built DSSCs with TEMPO and OH-TEMPO based aqueous electrolytes, Y123-sensitized TiO2 photoanodes, and counter electrodes coated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiphene) (PEDOT). For OH-TEMPO, the short-circuit current density (j sc) and open-circuit voltage were higher than with TEMPO, but the fill factor (FF) and the PCE were significantly lower. By impedance studies, large charge transfer resistances at the counter electrode (R CE) were obtained for OH-TEMPO in combination with additives such as 1-methylbenzimidazole (MBI), indicating a strong kinetic limitation of the OH-TEMPO+ reduction. However, we found that such additives as MBI or other organic compounds, are necessary to suppress recombination at the photoanode/electrolyte interface. Thus, we subsequently studied different counter electrode materials, such as platinum (reference), conducting polymers, and carbon materials, in contact to OH-TEMPO electrolytes with MBI to determine R CE and find suitable materials for the application in DSSCs.[1] Yang, W., Söderberg, M., Eriksson, A. I. K. & Boschloo, G. Efficient aqueous dye-sensitized solar cell electrolytes based on a TEMPO/TEMPO+ redox couple. RSC Advances 5, 26706–26709 (2015).

Inexpensive green synthesis of natural dye-sensitized solar cells with aqueous solution as a Bi2S3 counter electrode

Natural dyes are more environmentally and fiscally friendly than ruthenium-based dyes because they are non-toxic and inexpensive. In this research, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were created using natural dyes as light harvesting materials. Natural dyes were derived from blackberry fruit, beetroot, and neem foliage. Also, organic-solvent and water-based electrolytes were investigated for the TiO2 working electrode and Bi2S3 counter electrode. As-prepared organic-solvent-based electrolyte DSSCs demonstrated photoelectrochemical efficiency with fill factors (FF) varying from 35% to 45%. At 100 mW/cm2 light strength, open circuit voltages (VOC) and short circuit current densities (JSC) vary from 0.41 to 0.58 V and 1.35–1.93 mA cm−2, respectively. As a result of this, the highest power conversion efficiency (ƞ) of the as-prepared blackberry DSSC is 0.51%. The highest power conversion efficacy using water-based electrolytes with berries dye and a comparable extraction solvent, on the other hand, reached up to 0.47%. This is the first research to describe the construction of a dye-sensitized solar cell using natural dye sensitizers extracted from various colours of fruit and foliage in the presence of organic-solvent and aqueous electrolyte with Bi2S3 as a counter electrode for an efficient dye-sensitized solar cell.

Nanograss-Assembled NiCo2S4 as an Efficient Platinum-Free Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are often viewed as the potential future of photovoltaic systems and have garnered significant attention in solar energy research. In this groundbreaking research, we introduced a novel solvothermal method to fabricate a unique "grass-like" pattern on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass (FTO), specifically designed for use as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) assemblies. Through rigorous structural and morphological evaluations, we ascertained the successful deposition of nickel cobalt sulfide (NCS) on the FTO surface, exhibiting the desired grass-like morphology. Electrocatalytic performance assessment of the developed NCS-1 showed results that intriguingly rivaled those of the acclaimed platinum catalyst, especially during the conversion of I3 to I- as observed through cyclic voltammetry. Remarkably, when integrated into a solar cell assembly, both NCS-1 and NCS-2 electrodes exhibited encouraging power conversion efficiencies of 6.60% and 6.29%, respectively. These results become particularly noteworthy when compared to the 7.19% efficiency of a conventional Pt-based electrode under similar testing conditions. Central to the performance of the NCS-1 and NCS-2 electrodes is their unique thin and sharp grass-like morphology. This structure, vividly showcased through scanning electron microscopy, provides a vast surface area and an abundance of catalytic sites, pivotal for the catalytic reactions involving the electrolytes in DSSCs. In summation, given their innovative synthesis approach, affordability, and remarkable electrocatalytic attributes, the newly developed NCS counter electrodes stand out as potent contenders in future dye-sensitized solar cell applications.

Quasi-solid polyaniline/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) blend electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Conductive polymer blend gel electrolytes can address the instability caused by liquid electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), thereby improving their long-term stability, by reducing leakage, and enhancing electrode adhesion. This work employed in-situ polymerization to synthesize blends of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyaniline (PANI), which were subsequently characterized using ionic conductivity measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Consequently, the optimal composition has been chosen to prepare the electrolyte solution using polymer blend, solvents, and iodine-based salts. The conductivity of blend electrolytes has also been found to be affected by the salt concentration. The fabrication of DSSCs has made use of electrolytes with the highest conductivity values. It has been found that dye-sensitized solar cells with polymer gel electrolytes are more robust but less efficient than their conventional counterparts. Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells were found to maintain their photovoltaic performance for a duration of one week, whereas conventional cells experienced a substantial decline in short-circuit current (∼36%) and open-circuit voltage (∼33.33%) over the same period.

Metal-organic framework (Mn-BTC MOF) incorporated polymer gel electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells: preparation and device performances

Metal-organic framework (Mn-BTC MOF) incorporated polymer gel electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells: preparation and device performances

Environmentally Friendly Water-Based Electrolyte for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Future Prospective and Outlook

The use of traditional Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is limited due to the use of toxic and non-environmentally safe solvents. In this review, water is proposed as a viable alternative to developing green chemistry and sustainable materials for DSSCs. However, water-based DSSCs (WBDSSCs) require improvement in their photovoltaic parameters. The detachment of dye molecules from the semiconductor and the poor solubility of iodine in water are the primary reasons for their low efficiency. This review analyzes the best results achieved by 100% aqueous electrolytes containing synthetic, organic, and natural dyes to identify the best conditions to overcome these limitations. Developing a suitable photoanode/electrolyte interface and finding a compromise in the choice of dye are the main research goals in the coming years. WBDSSCs can contribute significantly to producing clean energy using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, here we report the state of the art of the emerging technology of underwater dye-sensitized solar cells, which are a promising technology for generating renewable energy in aquatic environments. Recent advancements in material science and device engineering have shown promising results in enhancing their efficiency and durability. Further research and development can make these devices a viable alternative for sustainable energy generation in a wide range of underwater applications.

Effective redox shuttles for polymer gel electrolytes-based quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells in outdoor and indoor applications: Comprehensive comparison and guidelines

Various redox shuttle-mediated polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) were utilized individually to fabricate quasi-solid-state (QSS) dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for outdoor and indoor applications. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of QSS DSSCs based on I3−/I−-mediated PGEs was comparable with liquid electrolyte-devices under both 1-sun and 1000 lux compact fluorescent light (CFL) (compact fluorescent lamp) illuminations. The PCEs for QSS-DSSCs based on cobalt/copper complex-mediated PGEs were not comparable with their liquid electrolyte DSSCs under 1-sun condition, but, comparable, even higher for cobalt complex-mediated PGE devices, under CFL light. The PCE for organic dye-sensitized cobalt PGE devices was in the range of 23%–30% under 200–2000 lux CFL illuminations. The remarkable PCEs of 27.5% and 25.0% were obtained for cobalt and copper complex-mediated PGE-based QSS DSSCs using organic sensitizers, respectively, under 1000 lux CFL light. This result specifies that the mass transport limitation of Co-/Cu-complexes in PGEs can only be applicable for 1-sun illumination, not for ambient lighting. The outstanding efficiency under CFL ambient light and high stability under 50 °C make us optimistic for future commercial utilization of metal-complex-mediated PGE-QSS DSSCs as a safe power source for the internet of things and low-powered autonomous electronic devices.

Thin films of solid-state polymer electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Thin films of solid-state polymer electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells