Performance Of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Parthenium hysterophorous flower template assisted SnO2 nanostructure as photoanode for dye sensitized solar cell

The synthesis process of tin oxide (SnO2) nanostructures and the performance of alizarin-based SnO2 dye-sensitized solar cells have been investigated in the current work. For the first time, tin oxide nanostructures with various pH values are synthesized using the template taken from parthenium hysterophorous flower which acts as the photoanodes. SnO2 film coated with alizarin dye, a platinum counter electrode, and an iodine electrolyte are used to fabricate DSSC. The structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the SnO2 nanostructures are investigated using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL), attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectra, and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques. Current density-voltage (J-V) parameters are measured using electrochemical workstation with solar illumination.

Effect of electrospun bilayer titanium oxide–tin oxide nanofibers on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

The core–shell nanofibers, which contain titanium oxide (TiO2) and tin oxide (SnO2), are known as electrospun nanofibers that improve the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells by exploring the photoanode. The morphology and microstructure of the electrospun nanofibers are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X–ray diffraction (XRD). Based on the SEM micrographs, the fibers have a bilayer TiO2–SnO2 core–shell structure with a 70–120 nm diameter. The XRD analysis shows the dominant crystalline phase of the synthesized nanostructures after heat treatment. Finally, the synthesized nanofibers are used to prepare dye-sensitized solar cell photoanodes with thicknesses of 8, 11, 14, and 17 μm, which their performances are investigated. The current–voltage (I–V) curve of the solar cells under the Xenon lamp irradiation is measured and calculated. The optimal solar cell with a photoanode made electrophoretic at 30 V for 8 min shows the best performance. The optimal thickness of the TiO2–SnO2 nanocomposite for this photoanode is 14 μm. The short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, and optimal cell efficiency for this sample are 19.35 mA/cm2, 650 mV, and 9.27%, respectively.

Farklı Kalınlıklarda Üretilen TiO2 İnce Filmlerinin Boya Duyarlı Güneş Pili Performansına Etkisi

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are known as 3rd generation solar cells. One of the most important parameters affecting the performance of DSSCs is the thin film thickness that forms the photoanode layer. In this study, we examined how 38, 60 and 76 µm thick TiO2 thin films change dye-sensitized solar cell performance. The highest efficiency (4.73%) was seen in the solar cell with 38 µm thin film thickness. In addition, the mineralogical and morphological analyses of the produced TiO2 nanopowders were performed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analyses showed that TiO2 was in the anatase crystal phase. SEM photographs confirmed the formation of microspheres in close contact with each other.

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCS): The History and a new optical activity-based method to predict the power conversion efficiency

Improvement on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has been a major research topic for the past thirty years. Several research efforts on increasing the efficiency of DSSC have mainly focused on the synthesis of novel sensitizers, with the continuous employment of the traditional mesoporous TiO films as 2 - - semiconductor, and the iodide/triiodide (I /I ) electrolyte as redox couple. Since not so much have been done in 3 - - exploring other mesoporous semiconductors and redox electrolytes beyond these two, TiO and I /I couple, 2 3 this paper concisely chronicles the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of DSSCs of different dye sensitizers, where only TiO nanofilm and iodide/triiodide redox couple have been used as the semiconductor and 2 electrolyte systems respectively. This list was used to obtain possible relationship between the optical properties of dyes and the PCE of the DSSC. Dye sensitizers with PCE values > 1.00% were employed. The spectral properties of each of the selected sensitizers were used to obtain their spectrum power, I(l). An increase in PCE value as I(l) increases was observed for 81.25% of the sixteen sensitizers considered, which suggests that a direct correlation could exist between the I(l) of a sensitizer and the PCE of the DSSC of that sensitizer.

Enhancing Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance with Different Sizes of ZnO Nanorods Grown Using Multi-Step Growth

In this study, we employed a chemical solution method to grow zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods on SnO2:F (FTO) substrates as photoelectrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The influence of varying ZnO nanorod dimensions on cell performance was investigated. Specifically, we explored the effects of nanorod length and diameter on dye adsorption capacity and photovoltaic conversion efficiency. Characterization techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were utilized to analyze the ZnO nanorods. Our results demonstrate that the sequential growth technique allows for control over the length and diameter of ZnO nanorods, thereby modulating their optoelectronic properties. XRD and FE-SEM analyses revealed that the surface morphology of the ZnO nanorods impacts dye adsorption capacity and photovoltaic conversion efficiency. EIS measurements further indicated a significant influence of dye adsorption on the electron lifetime of ZnO nanorods. Overall, this study highlights the potential of multi-step growth of ZnO nanorods to optimize the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells by tuning their morphology and surface properties.

(Invited) Diffuse Light Harvesting to Structured Information with Hybrid Photovoltaics

By 2025 about 75 billion IoT devices will be installed, of which the majority will reside indoors. It is therefore crucial to find an energy source that yields high efficiencies in this environment.1,2 At 34% efficiency under ambient light, while being more environmentally friendly, sustainable to produce and to recycle. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are known for efficient conversion of ambient light. Fast charge separation in a variety of organic dyes and tuneable energy levels in CuII/I redox systems combined with negligible recombination processes allow DSCs to maintain a high photovoltage under ambient light.1 We tailored dye-sensitized photovoltaic cells based on a copper (II/I) electrolyte for power generation under ambient lighting with an unprecedented conversion efficiency (PCE 34 %, 103 mW cm-2 at 1000 lux; 32.7 percent, 50 mW cm-2 at 500 lux; and 31.4 percent, mW cm-2 at 200 lux from a fluorescent lamp) using a novel co-sensitization strategy.2 Though there are additional factors to consider when converting ambient light. First, rather of simply extending the absorption range, the DSC's spectral conversion response should be tailored to the source of ambient lighting. Second, at low light intensities, recombination suppression is critical for DSC performance.3 Though there are additional factors to consider when converting ambient light. First, rather of simply extending the absorption range, the DSC's spectral conversion response should be tailored to the source of ambient lighting. Second, at low light intensities, recombination suppression is critical for DSC performance. Herein, we developed DSCs with CuII/I(tmby)2 (tmby = 4,4′,6,6′-tetramethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) hole transport material with a combination of organic sensitizers XY1 and L1. Under simulated sunlight (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2), the best device reached a photovoltage of 1080 mV, a photocurrent density of 15.9 mA cm−2, a fill factor of 0.67 and a PCE of 11.5%.4,5 Under 1000 lux lighting, 64 cm2 photovoltaic area gives 152 J or 4.41 1020 photons sufficient for training and testing of an artificial neural network in less than 24 hours. Ambient light harvesters enable a new generation of self-powered and "smart" IoT gadgets to be fueled by a hitherto untapped energy source.2 Muñoz-García, A. B. et al. Dye-sensitized solar cells strike back. Chemical Society Reviews 50, 12450–12550 (2021).Michaels, H. et al. Dye-sensitized solar cells under ambient light powering machine learning: towards autonomous smart sensors for the internet of things. Chemical Science 11, 2895–2906 (2020).Freitag, M. et al. Dye-sensitized solar cells for efficient power generation under ambient lighting. Nature Photonics 11, 372–378 (2017).Michaels, H., Benesperi, I. & Freitag, M. Challenges and prospects of ambient hybrid solar cell applications. Chemical Science (2021) doi:10.1039/D0SC06477G.Benesperi, I., Michaels, H. & Freitag, M. The researcher’s guide to solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells. Journal of Materials Chemistry C (2018) doi:10.1039/C8TC03542C.

An AZO dye with nitril anchoring to dye-sensitized solar cell performance: A theoretical and experimental investigation

AZO dyes have been recognized as a significant class of organic dyes for optoelectronic applications due to their unique properties. As a result, a dye with a chemical structure including nitrile group as acceptor, NN as π-conjugation spacers, and dimethylaniline as donor has been synthesized. Herein, the performance of an AZO-based dye compound with a power conversion performance of 0.47% is examined in DSSCs for the first time. The Density Functional Theory and Time Dependent Density Functional Theory are employed to analyze the electronic and photovoltaic properties of the dye. It is believed that this work will ease up in understanding the AZO-based dyes utilized for DSSCs.

Significance of anchoring group design on light harvesting efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells and non-linear optical response

Dye-sensitizers designed from coumarin backbone are widely utilized in solar light harvesting due to their versatile performance in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). They are well-known as non-linear optical (NLO) materials. In this case study, we have designed coumarin-based sensitizers containing thiophene as a common spacer with the different acceptor-anchoring groups, ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate (SPDSSC 1) and 2-cyanoacrylic acid (SPDSSC 2). Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent- DFT (TD-DFT) computational calculations of these molecules predict superior light harvesting capability and NLO properties. The calculated HOMO–LUMO energy gap of these dyes showed an inverse relation with chemical potential and electrophilicity index and was directly related to hardness and hyperhardness. It was also seen β0 and γ and PCE follow a similar trend. Further, computations of sensitizers@TiO2 indicated sensitizers with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate bonded with TiO2 cluster via unidentate linkage, whereas 2-cyanoacrylic acid containing sensitizer involved bidentate bonding with TiO2. Apart from this, sensitizers with 2-cyanoacrylic acid anchors showed much planer geometry. Also, the quantitative analysis of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and MEP plots showed that more electron clouds shifted to the TiO2 cluster in the sensitizer with 2-cyanoacrylic acid (SPDSSC 2) than ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate (SPDSSC 1). Further, both molecules were taken as sensitizers in the DSSC device. SPDSSC 2 showed higher power conversion efficiency than SPDSSC 1. Overall, results disclosed that sensitizers with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate having two oxygen atoms in their anchoring part could bind with only carbonyl oxygen. And this monodentate binding of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate with TiO2 leads to poor charge transfer in the semiconductor's conduction band, resulting in poor DSSC performance.

A Theoretical Molecular Design of Acridine/Anthracene‐Polyoxometalate Hybrid Materials for Enhanced Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Performance

AbstractFour novel organoimido‐substituted hexamolybdate dyes featuring acridine/anthracene donors for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been designed and studied using a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The energy levels of frontier molecular orbitals, absorption spectra with electronic transition characters, and photovoltaic parameters of dyes 1–4 were systematically evaluated. The results confirm the suitability of all the studied dyes for n‐type DSSCs. The investigated dyes could be introduced as an active co‐absorbent as well as main dye. All dyes showed remarkable reorganization energy for electron transport (λe) and hence increased electron transfer rate. Due to the strong absorption in the visible region, as well as high light harvesting efficiency (LHE), dye regeneration efficiency (DRE), and electron injection efficiency (Φinj), dyes 2 and 3 are the most promising candidates for high performance DSSC materials.

Cocktail co-sensitization of two novel metal-free dyes and N-719: A promising strategy for enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

The present investigation involved the synthesis and characterization of two novel metal-free dyes, MOS-1 and MOS-2, intended for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). MOS-1 and MOS-2 showed strong absorption in the visible region, making them suitable for co-sensitization with N719, a commonly used ruthenium-based dye in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We compared the efficiency of DSSCs using MOS-1 and MOS-2 with N719, only MOS-1 or MOS-2, and only N-719. Co-sensitization of MOS-1, MOS-2, and N719 at the same concentration of 0.2 mM resulted in the highest efficiency of 10.45%, which was 1.4 times higher than N-719 alone. MOS-1 and MOS-2 alone also yielded impressive efficiencies of 4.75% and 5.18%, respectively. However, their efficiency was lower than N719 alone (7.27%). The enhanced efficiency of the co-sensitization system can be attributed to broader absorption and efficient electron injection, resulting in increased photocurrent and open-circuit voltage. Further information about the processes accountable for the photovoltaic enhancements was obtained through the utilization of incident photon to current efficiency (IPCE) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) evaluations. IPCE results showed that the increase in Jsc was due to a reduction in photocurrent loss caused by the electrolyte (I-/I3-). EIS studies indicated that electron recombination was reduced, likely due to the formation of a more compact and ordered monolayer of sensitizers resulting from increased dye absorption. Co-sensitization with metal-free dyes and N719 is a promising strategy for improving DSSC performance.

Optimization of power conversion efficiency of BaTiO3 as a compact layer in DSSC using response surface methodology/Box-Behnken design

This study focused on the optimization of BaTiO3 thin film as a compact layer in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) by spin-coating method. The experiment was designed using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design (RSM/BBD). Three key parameters were studied i.e., annealing time, annealing temperature and the number of drop-casting. Three independent variables and three levels were used in the experiment involving 17 experiments to analyse the optimum deposition condition. The interaction between these factors was studied and used to identify the best parameters to improve the DSSC performance. The statistical analysis showed that the three parameters studied significantly affected the power conversion efficiency (PCE). After optimization of parameters, a specific optimum deposition condition, A = 3 h (annealing duration), B = 485 °C (annealing temperature) and C = 3 (number of drop-casting) was obtained. According to the optimum condition, the predicted PCE value was 4.87%. A validation experiment was carried out and a PCE of 4.92 ± 0.04% was achieved, which is in good agreement with the predicted result.

Studies on the performance and stability of dye-sensitized solar cells based on the co-sensitization of N719 and RK1 dye-sensitizers

The intention of this research is to demonstrate how the co-sensitization of organic and inorganic dyes influences the overall performance of the proposed method for DSSCs at low light intensities and enhances the power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A maximum efficiency of 6.21% at 108 W/m2 was achieved by the co-sensitization method-fabricated DSSC. The co-sensitized photovoltaic cells work together synergistically to minimize the rate of electron and hole recombination, which leads to an increase in efficiency. The ruthenium-based N719 dye and the organic sensitizer RK1 are used in this co-sensitization approach because both dye-sensitizers have a significant impact on the performance of the DSSC. The proposed solar cells were analyzed using their current-voltage (I-V), incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE), and various DSSC parameters vs time properties. The proposed device has also retained 93.29% of its initial performance even after 1000 h.

Role of cations in the photovoltaic performance optimization of ternary stannates, MSnO3 (M = Ca, Sr, and Ba) and N2SnO4 (N = Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn)

Given the tremendous interest in next-generation photoelectric conversion devices, such as tandem solar cells, indoor photoelectric conversion devices, and image sensors, the development of device-specific electron transport materials is essential for achieving high performance. Sn-based semiconductors are one of the edge materials with the potential to satisfy these requirements. In particular, ternary stannate compounds have shown high potential as electron transport electrodes in several impressive studies. However, systematic research on the electronic band structure and chemical bonding characteristics of these materials remains insufficient. In this study, we present the effect of cations on the crystal structure and electronic band structure of ternary stannate compounds, MSnO3 (MSO, M = Ca, Sr, and Ba) and N2SnO4 (N2SO, N = Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn). Additionally, their potential as electron transport electrodes is verified by application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Notably, although BaSnO3 (BSO) and Zn2SnO4 (Z2SO) had inferior dye adsorption properties, they exhibited higher overall performance in DSCs than the other stannate compounds. The origin of the excellent performances of BSO and Z2SO is attributed to their supportive electronic band features, including the lower flat-band potential and conduction band than that of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level of N719 dye and excellent charge transport property. This study highlights the decisive impact of the electronic band structure and charge transport ability of stannate compounds on the photoelectric conversion performance and provides design guidelines for developing new charge transport materials.

Systematic analysis of TiO2 compact layer effect on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

Systematic analysis of TiO2 compact layer effect on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

Degradation performance of graphite as a counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cells

The dye sensitised solar cells (DSSC) have a range of appealing characteristics such as they are easy to produce, utilising conventional roll-printing methods, semi-flexibility and semi-transparency and the low cost. Dye-sensitized solar cells discriminate between the two functionalities provided by silicon in a typical cell architecture. The majority of the semiconductor in a dye-sensitized solar cell is utilised completely for charge transport, while a dye that has been made photosensitive provides the photoelectrons. Charge separation occurs between the pigment, at the surface. DSSCs have developed a spectacular and affordable solar energy conversion technology. In this work, natural dyes taken from hibiscus, black grapes and spinach are used as a photo sensitizer instead of expensive ruthenium dyes to build DSSCs. These natural colour dyes are inexpensive, widely accessible and pose no danger to the environment. Instead of platinum, inexpensive graphite is utilised as the counter electrode, while potassium iodide is employed as the electrolyte. In order to comprehend the degradation performance of DSSCs, graphite is used as a counter electrode. The work examines the performance of natural dyes and its degradation investigation. The analysis was done sequentially over the course of 60 days. The stability of graphite under continuous sunshine exposure for the aforementioned period is presented and thoroughly studied.

Development of new co-sensitizer based squaraine dyes for enhancing the performance of DSSC

The conversion of near-infrared (NIR) light into electricity is a crucial goal for advancing the capabilities of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In order to achieve this, two novel squaraine dyes, namely SQI-P and SQI-H, were synthesized and employed as NIR sensitizers in DSSC. These dyes were constructed with a conjugated indoline donor on both sides of the squaraine core, and a long pendant group on the N-position. The strongly donating indoline with phenyl bis-carboxylic anchor groups located in the N-position resulted in a high molar extinction coefficient and a broad absorption spectrum that extended into the NIR region. The experimental results showed that SQI-P/SQI-H sensitizer exhibits strong absorption in the NIR region, improved electron injection efficiency, and excellent photostability. After optimizing the co-sensitized DSSC, the combination of the NIR-absorbing squaraine based-indoline with SQI-P produced a high photocurrent output of 22.3 mA/cm2 at an efficiency of 4.8%. This achievement represents a breakthrough for DSSCs and paves the way for a more efficient future of DSSCs in the NIR region.

Design a New D-π-A Formation Dyes as Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Applications/ a DFT and TD-DFT Study.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have garnered significant interest among researchers in the field of photovoltaics due to their promising performance, low cost and easy process of fabrication. In this study, we have designed new D-π-A systems as derivatives of the reference (Ref. A) D-A-D scaffold, incorporating different π-bridges to enhance and optimize their efficiency as sensitizing dyes for DSSCs applications. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods were employed to investigate the geometrical and electronic structures, chemical reactivity indices, optical properties, exciton binding energy, and electrochemical properties of these dyes. We also examined the preferred adsorption process of the two selected dyes on a (TiO2)15 cluster model. The results demonstrate that all the dyes exhibit improved open-circuit photovoltage, enhanced light-harvesting efficiencies, higher electron injection efficiency, and excellent photovoltaic efficiency. Moreover, there is evidence of electron injection occurring from each studied dye to the conduction band of TiO2, followed by efficient regeneration. The introduced bridges in the molecular systems play a crucial role in facilitating electron transfer from the donor to the acceptor region. Comparatively, the D-π-D systems exhibit superior performance in DSSCs compared to Ref. A, which can be attributed to their higher energy levels of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and larger oscillator strengths for the most excited states involving intramolecular electron transfer and the electron injection process occurring from each examined molecule to the conduction band of TiO2, followed by subsequent regeneration. Overall, the results of our study highlight the potential of all the D-π-A systems as promising sensitizers for DSSCs applications, owing to their favorable optical and electronic properties and impressive photovoltaic parameters.

Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Utilizing Ga-ZnO Nanorods: Effect of Ga Concentration

Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Utilizing Ga-ZnO Nanorods: Effect of Ga Concentration

Numerical optimization and performance evaluation of ZnPC:PC70BM based dye-sensitized solar cell

The increase in global energy consumption and the related ecological problems have generated a constant demand for alternative energy sources superior to traditional ones. This is why unlimited photon-energy harnessing is important. A notable focus to address this concern is on advancing and producing cost-effective low-loss solar cells. For efficient light energy capture and conversion, we fabricated a ZnPC:PC70BM-based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and estimated its performance using a solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D). We evaluated the output parameters of the ZnPC:PC70BM-based DSSC with different photoactive layer thicknesses, series and shunt resistances, and back-metal work function. Our analyses show that moderate thickness, minimum series resistance, high shunt resistance, and high metal-work function are favorable for better device performance due to low recombination losses, electrical losses, and better transport of charge carriers. In addition, in-depth research for clarifying the impact of factors, such as thickness variation, defect density, and doping density of charge transport layers, has been conducted. The best efficiency value found was 10.30% after tweaking the parameters. It also provides a realistic strategy for efficiently utilizing DSSC cells by altering features that are highly dependent on DSSC performance and output.

N,S-codoped carbon encapsulated Co3S4@NiS/Cu2S hierarchical yolk-shell nanopolyhedron as bifunctional catalyst for efficient photovoltaics and alkaline hydrogen evolution

The yolk-shell structure electrocatalysts formed by polymetallic sulfides hold great promise in a variety of energy conversion/storage fields. Herein, the nitrogen/sulfur codoped porous carbon encapsulated Co3S4@NiS/Cu2S nanopolyhedrons (NSC-Co3S4@NiS/Cu2S) with hierarchical yolk-shell structures were successfully designed and synthesized by a facile one-step high-temperature degradation of zeolite imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) wrapped with metal-doped trithiocyanuric acid (TCA-M). Trithiocyanuric acid played a dual role, not only providing nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon sources, but also playing a role in the sulfurization of metal elements. It is worth noting that, due to the higher specific surface area, unique morphology, multi-element synergies, and more favorable chemical composition, the synthesized samples possessed outstanding bifunctional electrocatalytic performance for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). Experimental results showed that NSC-Co3S4@NiS/Cu2S electrode has a high photoelectric conversion efficiency (9.57%) in DSSCs. In addition, NSC-Co3S4@NiS/Cu2S electrode also showed a lower initial overpotential (65.1 mV) and Tafel slope (49.7 mV dec-1) in the alkaline HERs test. The present approach has proposed a new synthetic idea of hierarchical yolk-shell metal sulfide in different new energy catalysis fields.