DSSC Performance Research Articles

Tandem dye-sensitized solar cells achieve 12.89% efficiency using novel organic sensitizers

This study presents a significant advancement in tandem dye-sensitized solar cells (T-DSSCs) through the strategic synthesis of novel triazatruxene (TAT) sensitizers MS-1 and MS-2. These organic sensitizers demonstrate exceptional light-harvesting capacity and overall performance, pushing the boundaries of power conversion efficiency (PCE) in DSSCs. The MS-1-based DSSCs achieved an impressive PCE of 12.81%, while MS-2 sensitizers reached a notable 10.92%. These efficiencies represent significant improvements over the conventional N719 dye (7.60%), demonstrating the potential of metal-free organic sensitizers in DSSC technology. The key to these noteworthy results lies in the molecular design of the organic sensitizers. The triazatruxene donor segment in the MS-1 and MS-2 dyes, featuring a rigid structure and efficient intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), proved to be a game-changer for photovoltaic properties. Building on these results, we explored an innovative parallel tandem cell (PT-DSSC) configuration. By connecting separate cells containing N719 and MS-1 sensitizers, we achieved a record efficiency of 12.89% with enhanced short-circuit current density (JSC) and open-circuit voltage (VOC)compared to single-dye cells. This study highlights the potential of molecular engineering in organic sensitizers and device optimization to enhance DSSC performance, paving the way for further advancements in solar cell technology.

Design and characterization of novel A2B2 porphyrins: Solar cell applications, antimicrobial properties, and molecular docking insights

We synthesized novel A2B2 porphyrin derivatives (5a-e, 7a,b) with yields of 60–73 %. Porphyrin 2 was prepared by reacting dipyrromethane 1 with p-bromobenzaldehyde. Porphyrin 2 was then treated with n-BuLi in DMF at -15 °C to produce porphyrin 3. The final compounds, 5a-e and 7a,b, were synthesized by reacting porphyrin 3 with activated nitriles (4a-e) and thiazolone derivatives (6a,b). The structures of the novel compounds were confirmed using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and elemental analysis. DFT calculations were used to explore the electronic structures and energy levels of the synthesized compounds. Compounds 7a and 7b showed improved electron transfer efficiency compared to 5a-e, with HOMO and LUMO levels aligned for optimal DSSC performance. The HOMO levels are below the electrolyte's redox potential (-5.2 eV), and the LUMO levels are above TiO2's conduction band (-4.2 eV), facilitating efficient electron injection and dye regeneration. Key parameters such as open-circuit voltage (VOC), free energy of injection (ΔGinj), and regeneration (ΔGreg) were calculated, highlighting these compounds' potential for DSSC applications. The newly synthesized compounds were tested for antibacterial activity against C. albicans, B. subtilis, and E. coli. Compounds 5e (MIC50 3.125 µg/mL, with inhibition zone 45 mm against B. subtilis) and (MIC50 12.5 µg/mL, with inhibition zone 31 mm against E. coli) and 7a (MIC50 3.125 µg/mL, with inhibition zone 44 mm against B. subtilis) and (MIC50 12.5 µg/mL, with inhibition zone 30 mm against E. coli) showed the highest antimicrobial activity. Compound 5e's carboxylic acid group likely enhances activity through strong hydrogen bonding and improved solubility, aiding interaction with microbial enzymes or cell walls. Compound 7a's dimalononitrile groups, being highly electron-withdrawing, increase reactivity, while phenylthiazolidine rings offer additional binding sites through hydrogen bonding and pi-stacking interactions. Docking studies of the most potent antibacterial porphyrin analogues, 5e and 7a, against the target protein PDB: 1ECl showed promising results. Compound 5e achieved a docking score of ‐7.9559 kcal/mol with an RMSD of 1.9743 Å, while compound 7a had an even better score of ‐8.9174 kcal/mol. Compound 7a formed interactions with two H-acceptors from its cyano groups, binding to Arg136 and Lys488, and a Pi-H interaction between the thiazolone ring and Asn158, with distances of 3.19, 3.63, and 3.71 Å, respectively.

Optimal extraction, phytochemical and electrochemical potential assessment of pigments from Persicaria Lapathifolia for dye-sensitized solar cell application

In this study, we concentrated on optimal extraction, phytochemical, and electrochemical assessment of natural pigments from the roots and flowers of Persicaria lapathifolia as new sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells. The extraction technique required optimizing the use of acidified ethanol with acetic acid and hydrochloric acid as flower and root extractants, respectively. Photo-electrochemical tests revealed that these pigments could improve the efficiency of DSSCS. The optical characterization revealed maximal absorbance peaks at 462 and 654 nm for root dye and 535, 606 and 666 nm for blossom dye. Phytochemical examination revealed the presence of anthocyanins flavonoids glycoside linkage and betacyanin in both extracts. The Cyclic voltammetry tests revealed oxidation potential peaks in root and floral dyes the HOMO and LUMO potentials were calculated for both dyes, revealing values that could help improve DSSC performance. The DSSCS sensitized with flower extract had an open circuit voltage of 0.649 V a brief current pulse of 3.8 mA and an efficiency of 1.6335%. On the other hand root, pigment-based DSSCS performed slightly inferior with a Voc of 0.55 V an Isc of 3.7 mA, and an efficiency of 1.33%. These findings point to the potential of Persicaria lapathifolia pigments to boost DSSC efficiency emphasizing the relevance of sustainable energy sources. More research and optimization are required to realize the potential of these natural pigments for DSSC applications. This study adds to the investigation of green energy options, notably rooftop photovoltaic systems, in response to an increasing desire for ecologically sound energy solutions.

Optical absorption spectroscopy and electronic properties of D-A dyes and chlorophyll derivatives for co-sensitization in DSSCs

The photophysical and photochemical processes of the experimental dyes ZS11 and ZS12 containing phenyl-cyanoacrylic acid (PCA) and ethynyl-PCA (EPCA) group were studied by DFT and TD-DFT systems to develop their applications in solar cells. First, their geometry, absorption spectra, chemical reaction parameters, electron transfer and dye activity were systematically studied. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) was predicted, and it was found that the PCE of ZS12 (9.974 %) was higher than ZS11 (7.171 %), which was consistent with the experimental trend (the PCE of ZS12 is 10.4 ± 0.3 % and the PCE of ZS11 is 9.0 ± 0.3 %). Secondly, the dye was co-sensitized with the chlorophyll derivative CHL-1c, and the co-sensitization system’s interaction force, excited state characteristics, electron transfer mechanism and electron transfer rates were studied. The results show that the JSC of all co-sensitive systems (the JSC of ZS12-CHL is 22.363 mA/cm2 and the JSC of ZS11-CHL is 23.978 mA/cm2) is significantly higher than that of monomers (the JSC of ZS12 is 16.112 mA/cm2 and the JSC of ZS11 is 11.051 mA/cm2). It can be inferred that the optoelectronic performance of co-sensitizing systems is better than that of monomers. This study demonstrates that the use of dye molecules co-sensitized with chlorophyll derivatives can enhance DSSC performance from multiple perspectives, providing insights for further improvements.

Enhanced visible light harvesting in dye-sensitized solar cells through incorporation of solution-processable silver plasmons and anthracite-derived graphene quantum dots

The major setback for the enhanced performance of DSSC is the narrow absorption window and the interfacial exciton recombination. Therefore, in this work, the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells has been improved by the synergistic effect of anthracite-derived graphene quantum dots and silver plasmons. GQD and Ag coupled photoanodes were fabricated by a facile solution processable process under room temperature. The as-fabricated DSSC TiO2/Ag/GQD (TAG) exhibited an enhanced power conversion efficiency of 10.5 % with a current density of 22.40 mAcm−2 measured under solar irradiation of 100 mWcm−2 with AM 1.5G. An enhancement surpassing 30.5 % was obtained for the champion cell when compared to the pristine TiO2 based DSSC. Furthermore, this study emphasizes developing a cutting-edge approach for the high-quality use of fossil fuel-derived graphene quantum dots in energy conversion systems, thereby encouraging the green conversion of fossil fuels and broadening the potential of anthracite coal's utilization in energy conversion applications.

The role of secondary donor in thiophene-based azo dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells and non-linear optics

The effect of altering the donating strength of secondary donors at the 4th position of the thiophene ring in a series of dyes labeled AB1 to AB9 is investigated in this study. According to the findings, the orientation of the secondary donor has a considerable impact on molecular planarity, resulting in changes in charge transfer (CT) properties within the thiophene-azo-benzoic acid backbone. The time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) study supports these findings, indicating that the vertical absorption maximum of the dyes increases with the secondary donor's donating strength. From AB1 to AB5, photovoltaic parameters show an increase in DSSC performance. Furthermore, dye@TiO2 cluster experiments suggest the possibility of these dyes interacting with TiO2, resulting in red-shifted absorbance of dye@TiO2 clusters.Theoretical predictions are confirmed by the synthesis of AB1 to AB4, with initial absorption in dimethylformamide (DMF) and energies of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) following a similar pattern as observed in density functional theory (DFT) studies. TGA results show that AB1 to AB4 have remarkable thermal stability, enabling their practical application in DSSCs. The efficiencies of the constructed DSSCs varied, with AB4 having the highest (1.90 ± 0.1) and AB1 having the lowest (1.29 ± 0.1). Secondary donors play a critical role in determining molecular characteristics and device performance, according to the theoretical and experimental DSSC results.

Enhanced DSSC efficiency through integration of red-emitting MgAl2O4: Eu3+ phosphor within TiO2 layer

The main objective of this paper was to enhance the absorption and charge carrier generation rates of DSSC. The functional property of the Eu3+ ion (red light) when infused with the MgAl2O4 host was combined with TiO2 nanoparticles and the results obtained through various studies are elaborated. The host and the nanoparticles were prepared through solid-state and sol-gel routes, respectively, with their crystalline structure and surface morphology identified by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope. The optical characteristics of the sample were studied through photoluminescence (PL) excitation (394 nm) and PL emission spectral analysis. The MgAl2O4: Eu3+ phosphor utilized in DSSC for the light down-conversion process converts high-energy incident light into low-radiation light, which further excites the N719 dye to emit charge carriers, thus increasing the conversion efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cells. The overall conversion efficiency was observed a 4.80 % when 0.9 MW % Eu3+: MgAl2O4 was added to the TiO2 nanoparticle with an enhanced DSSC performance.

χ-Anderson type polyoxometalates and anhydride based polyimides: Synthesis, characterization and photovoltaic response in dye sensitized solar cells

Efficient electron transport and minimizing recombination losses are crucial for optimizing DSSC performance, necessitating strategies to improve electron diffusion and reduce charge recombination. Two new eco-friendly polyimides based on χ-type polyoxometalates namely Tris@ZnPOM, and Tris@NiPOM, one with the Zn-containing Anderson-type POM(ADP), and the other with the Ni-containing Anderson-type POM, respectively have been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, UV–vis. spectral analysis, TGA,1H NMR, fluorescence and cyclic voltametric analysis. The fluorescence quenching in Tris@ZnPOM, and Tris@NiPOM was observed as98% and 99.7% as compared to Tris@anhydride, referring the photo-induced transfer of electrons between POM and Tris@anhydrides. The dielectric loss is found to be higher in Tris@anhydride as compared to the Tris@NiPOM, and Tris@ZnPOM. From the MEP analysis it has been seen that POM act as an electron with drawing subunit when conjugated with the anhydride. Different global reactivity parameters (μ, η and ω) were estimated from the frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) analysis, and the order of reactivity for Tris@anhydride, Tris@NiPOM, and Tris@ZnPOM is determined to be in accordance with their increasing band gap i.e., Tris@anhydride > Tris@NiPOM > Tris@ZnPOM. The increase in efficiency (η) of photovoltaics response for Tris@ZnPOM (2.35) is found to be higher as compared to Tris@NiPOM (1.25) and Tris@anhydride(0.62). The presence of Zn in ADP is responsible for increasing the efficiency of Tris@ZnPOM due to its low band gap that causes the easiest transfer of electron.

Exploration of 4-substituted thiophene-based azo dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells and non-linear optical materials: synthesis and an in silico approach.

This work examines the effects of changing the secondary donors' donating strengths at the thiophene ring's fourth position in a range of dyes designated SR1 to SR9. The DFT results indicate that the molecular planarity is greatly affected by the placement of the secondary donor at position four, which changes the charge transfer (CT) characteristics in the thiophene-azo-salicylic acid backbone. These results are corroborated by TD-DFT analysis, which indicates that as the secondary donor's donating strength increases, so does the vertical absorption maximum. Based on the computed photovoltaic characteristics, these dyes perform better from SR1 to SR5. Research on dye@TiO2 clusters suggests a potential for binding with TiO2, which might cause the dye@TiO2 clusters' absorbance to shift red. Additionally, computed linear and non-linear optical (NLO) properties exhibit similar trends to those observed for DSSC performance. The experimental results, which include HOMO and LUMO energies as well as initial absorption in dimethylformamide (DMF), match very well with the patterns seen in DFT and TD-DFT calculations. The high thermal stability of SR1 to SR4 is indicated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), indicating their practical applicability in non-linear optics (NLO) and DSSC applications. The efficiencies of the produced DSSCs vary; SR4 has the highest efficiency (4.50 ± 0.1), and SR1 has the lowest (0.37 ± 0.1). The combined effects of theoretical and experimental DSSC results demonstrate the vital role of secondary donors in influencing molecular characteristics and NLO and DSSC performance.

The impact of carboxylic acid anchoring groups on the optoelectronic and nonlinear optical properties of Ru complex dyes: A computational approach

In this study, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods were used to analyze the effects of varying the number and positions of carboxylic acid anchoring groups attached to the bpy ligand of the [Ru(bpy)2(NCS)2] complex. Also the geometric structures, absorption geometry, electronic structures, optical properties, photovoltaic parameters, and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the designed [Ru(bpy)2(NCS)2] derivatives were investigated and compared with each other. The results indicate that the optoelectronic properties of these ruthenium (II) complexes are influenced by the number and positioning of carboxylic acid groups on the bipyridine moiety. Calculated values of ΔGinject and ΔGreg for the studied Ru(II) complexes suggest that the energy level alignment with the semiconductor and electrolyte satisfies the criteria. Furthermore, it was observed that the number and position of the anchoring carboxylic acid units is an effective approach to improve their NLO response. Overall, the structural modifications by the anchoring carboxylic acid groups on the bpy ligand of [Ru(bpy)2(NCS)2] complexes seem to fine-tune their DSSC performance and NLO response characteristics.

Optimization of BaSnO3 as a compact layer for enhancement of DSSC performance using response surface methodology/Box–Behnken design

Optimization of BaSnO3 as a compact layer for enhancement of DSSC performance using response surface methodology/Box–Behnken design

Enhancing DSSC Performance through Manipulation of the Size of ZnO Nanorods

Enhancing DSSC Performance through Manipulation of the Size of ZnO Nanorods

STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGY ANALYSIS OF ANNEALING POST-TREATMENT THIN FILM TITANIUM AND COPPER-DOPED ZINC OXIDE

Ti-Cu doped ZnO thin film has been successfully deposited on a preparate glass substrate using the spin coating method with post-treatment annealing temperatures of 350oC - 550oC. This research analyzes the structure and morphology of Ti-Cu doped ZnO thin films on DSSC performance. The crystal structure of Ti-Cu doped ZnO thin film was characterized using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the effect of annealing temperature on the quality of its crystal structure. XRD results show that the crystal structure is dominant in the (101) plane, with lattice parameters in the crystal tending to be constant at a = b = 5.21 and c = 3.25 so that the crystal volume tends to be constant at 47.77 Å. Furthermore, the FWHM value tends to decrease from 0.4419o to 0.2523o, crystal size tends to increase from 19.76 nm to 34.60 nm, dislocation density decreases from 0.0025 nm-2 to 0.0008 nm-2, stress decreases from 0.58% to 0.33%, and strain tends to increase from -1.364 GPa to -0.782 GPa. This indicates an improvement in crystal structure along with the addition of an annealing temperature of 350oC - 550oC. The SEM results showed that an annealing temperature of 450oC is a good temperature compared to other film variations, as evidenced by the agglomeration's narrowing and the grain size decrease.

The Correlation between Dye absorption Wavelength and Illumination Wavelength on DSSC Performance

This study examines the effect of the wavelength of light illuminated on DSSC on the absorption wavelength and gap dye energy. The dye used was sea lettuce anthocyanin from Sanur Beach, Bali. As much as 20 grams of dried sea lettuce powder was dissolved in 80 mL of 96% ethanol and 6% HCl. After 24 hours of immersion, it was filtered with Whatman 41 paper. The filtrate was characterized using a UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer so that the absorption wavelengths of the anthocyanin dye were 272.5 nm, 417 nm, and 653.5 nm. The gap energy was calculated using the Tauc Plot method, and the result was 2.826 eV. The dye was applied to make DSSC using the sandwich method, which was then irradiated with white, red, and purple LEDs with respective wavelengths of 400–700 nm (with peaks at 439.67 nm and 550.29 nm), 629.04 nm and 425.38 nm and variations in intensity values, namely 1000 lux, 2000 lux, and 3000 lux. Illumination using purple LEDs produces the maximum current and highest efficiency compared to white and red, namely 1.33 mA, 1.57 mA, and 1.83 mA for 1000 lux, 2000 lux, and 3000 lux, respectively, and the efficiency is 0.0039 for 1000 lux. The purple color has a wavelength close to and intersects with the absorbance wavelength of the dye and has energy (2.918 eV) greater than the gap energy of the sea lettuce dye.

Effect of carbon dot on photovoltaic performance of n-TiO2/p-NiO and n-TiO2/p-CuO heterojunctions in Dye-Sensitized solar cells

Carbon quantum dot (C-dot) behaves as a photosensitizer and dye-adsorber. Here, effect of C-dot was investigated on dye (N719)-photosensitized solar cells (DSSCs) consisting of n-type TiO2 and p-type metal oxide (NiO or CuO) photoanodes. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of pristine TiO2 DSSC was enhanced double with adding 10 wt% NiO. Furthermore, the doping of 10 wt% C-dot into TiO2/NiO(10 wt%) nanocomposites increased PCE up to 2.88 times. Then the 14.32% PCE was achieved, since coexistence of C-dot and N719 accelerates the faster and rich charge separation and charge transfer at TiO2/NiO heterojunction. On the other hand, PCE of DSSC consisting of n-TiO2 and p-CuO semiconductors was slightly higher than those of n-TiO2/p-NiO DSSC, but PCE of n-TiO2/p-CuO DSSC decreased after Cdot was added. The calculated energy level alignments exhibit that electrons photogenerated on Cdot and N719 successfully transfer to cathode through NiO and TiO2 in TiO2/NiO/C-dot DSSC, while electrons in a conduction band of TiO2 are recombined with holes in HOMO of C-dot with similar energy level in TiO2/CuO/C-dot nanocomposites. This investigation demonstrates that C-dot provides photo-generated charges and accelerates charge transfer, but it also raises charge recombination, depending on energy level balance with semiconductor components and influencing the performance of DSSC.

Influence of Coating a TiO2 Electrode with DN-F05 and DN-F05-Ag on the Photovoltaic Performance of DSSC Solar Cells

A DSSC’s performance depends on its working electrode. Since this working electrode functions as an electron carrier, it affects how well DSSC solar cells perform. This study focused on working electrodes that use the dye DN-F05 and the Ag ions in the hybrid dye DN-F05 as a sensitizer. This research was conducted using the spin-coating method. Based on structural, optical, and electrical data, the results obtained were related to each other. It was determined that Ag has a significant influence on DSSC performance, and this discovery was also the main goal of this study. Previous studies have shown that the addition of Ag as a doping agent is an effective strategy for improving chemical and electronic properties. This can be proven through electrical measurements, which have shown an efficiency of 5.33%. However, when a significant amount of Ag is hybridized in the dye DN-F05, it will cause a decrease in DSSC performance due to the accumulation of Ag particles on the semiconductor’s surface, creating a barrier to light absorption and aggregation. This is what led to the selection of a hybrid material (Ag metal), as Ag is unique and offers great potential with respect to boosting solar cells’ performance.

Effect of acidic treatment on DSSC performance of TiO2 nanostructures

Effect of acidic treatment on DSSC performance of TiO2 nanostructures

Novel triphenylamine-based porphyrins: Synthesis, structural characterization, and theoretical investigation for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

In this work, we have synthesized a series of novel porphyrin derivatives, 8, 12, and 16 in high yields. The new porphyrin derivatives are equipped with different aromatic substituents at the peripheral position. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed by elemental and spectral analyses. Among these porphyrin structures, porphyrins 8, 12, and 16 were molecularly designed and synthesized based on triphenylamine (TPA), as the core donor (DTPA), linked to one, two, or three porphyrin (DPorph) moieties with different numbers of anchoring groups (AG) to generate: DTPA-π-DPorph-A(DE1), DTPA(π-DPorph-A)2(DE2) and DTPA(π-DPorph-A)3(DE3). The structural, electronic, and spectroscopic properties of the dyes have been obtained by using the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent-DFT calculations. Based on the DFT studies, porphyrins 8, 12, and 16 possess all thermodynamics requirements to be used for DSSCs as the HOMO values for these three porphyrins are greater than the electrolyte's redox potential (I−/I3−, -5.2 eV), while the LUMO level more negative than the conduction band of TiO2 (- 4.2 eV), which indicate that these structures are suitable as sensitizers in DSSCs. All proposed structures were estimated in the gaseous state based on their optimized ground state geometry to estimate their EHOMO, ELUMO, and HOMO-LUMO energy gaps. porphyrins 8, 12, and 16 electronic excitations were also probed using TD-DFT experiments, which were performed under the impact of time-dependent disturbances. The simulated absorption spectra of these structures revealed the porphyrins' typical Soret- and Q-bands. porphyrin 16 with tri-cyanoacrylic acid anchoring groups has a wider absorption spectrum than other porphyrins (8, 12), and their Soret- and Q-bands are red-shifted. As a final step, we analyzed and described the DSSC's performance using the concept of DFT reactivity indices. A more efficient DSSC can be built using this approach to correlate cell efficiency with molecular properties.

The Effect of Acetylene Carbon Black (ACB) Loaded on Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Nanofiber Membrane Electrolyte for DSSC Applications

Nanofiber membranes are starting to be used as an electrolyte storage medium because of their high porosity, which causes ionic conductivity, producing high energy. The ability of nanofiber membranes to absorb electrolytes proves their stability when used for a long time. In this study, the loading of acetylene carbon black (ACB) on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is made by the electrospun method, which in turn is applied as an electrolyte medium in DSSC. Materials characterization was carried out through FTIR to determine the functional groups formed and SEM to observe morphology and diameter distribution. Furthermore, for DSSC performance, efficiency and EIS tests were carried out. The optimum nanofiber membrane was shown by esPACB1, with the highest efficiency reaching 1.92% with a porosity of 73.43%, nanofiber diameter of 172.9 ± 2.2 nm, an absorbance of 1850, and an electron lifetime of 0.003 ms.

ZnO/g-C3N4 heterostructures: Synthesis, characterization and application as photoanode in dye sensitized solar cells

A simple low-temperature hydrothermal route was adopted to prepare the binary ZnO/g-C3N4 heterostructures, which were thoroughly characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic probes. The clearly visible interfaces between the ZnO NRs and g-C3N4 in the HRTEM micrograph verify the formation of ZnO/g-C3N4 heterojunction structures, which, combined with N3 dye, deliver increased optical absorption extending from UV to the visible range. The binary ZnO/g-C3N4 heterostructures are used as the photoanode in the DSSC application. Improvement in the DSSC performance arises because of the growth of the g-C3N4 layer on the ZnO nanorods surface, which efficiently delays the reverse recombination of electrons from ZnO to the electrolyte. The g-C3N4 layer also increases the electron concentration in the photoelectrode and, thereby, directly contributes to the improved performance of the DSSC device. The optimal DSSC based on the ZnO/g-C3N4 photoanode delivers its characteristic JSC ∼14.18 mA/cm2, VOC ∼544 mV, FF ∼0.586 and η ∼4.52%, which is about 2.3 times greater than the DSSC efficiency based on pure ZnO nanorod photoelectrode and retains the spirit of generating the green energy following the photovoltaic endeavor.