Solid-state Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Research Articles

Anionic Effect on Electrical Transport Properties of Solid Co2+/3+ Redox Mediators.

In a solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell, a fast-ion conducting (σ25°C > 10-4 S cm-1) solid redox mediator (SRM; electrolyte) helps in fast dye regeneration and back-electron transfer inhibition. In this work, we synthesized solid Co2+/3+ redox mediators using a [(1 - x)succinonitrile: x poly(ethylene oxide)] matrix, LiX, Co(tris-2,2'-bipyridine)3(bis(trifluoromethyl) sulfonylimide)2, and Co(tris-2,2'-bipyridine)3(bis(trifluoromethyl) sulfonylimide)3 via the solution-cast method, and the results were compared with those of their acetonitrile-based liquid counterparts. The notation x is a weight fraction (=0, 0.5, and 1), and X represents an anion. The anion was either bis(trifluoromethyl) sulfonylimide [TFSI-; ionic size, 0.79 nm] or trifluoromethanesulfonate [Triflate-; ionic size, 0.44 nm]. The delocalized electrons and a low value of lattice energy for the anions made the lithium salts highly dissociable in the matrix. The electrolytes exhibited σ25°C ≈ 2.1 × 10-3 (1.5 × 10-3), 7.2 × 10-4 (3.1 × 10-4), and 9.7 × 10-7 (6.3 × 10-7) S cm-1 for x = 0, 0.5, and 1, respectively, with X = TFSI- (Triflate-) ions. The log σ-T-1 plot portrayed a linear curve for x = 0 and 1, and a downward curve for x = 0.5. The electrical transport study showed σ(TFSI-) > σ(Triflate-), with lower activation energy for TFSI- ions. The anionic effect increased from x = 0 to 1. This effect was explained using conventional techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(vinylidene) fluoride/TiO2 nanoparticle composite for sandwiched solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(vinylidene) fluoride/TiO2 nanoparticle composite for sandwiched solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Development of natural dye photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells: a review.

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a photovoltaic device that can be produced from natural source pigments or natural dyes. The selection of natural dyes for DSSC application is currently under research. The utilization of natural dye materials that are easy to obtain, cost-effective, and non-toxic can reduce waste during DSSC fabrication. Natural dyes can be extracted from plants through extraction and chromatography methods. The suitability and viability of utilizing natural dyes as photosensitizers in DSSCs can be predicted using appropriate software simulation by varying related parameters to produce high power conversion efficiency. In this context, the purpose of the review is to highlight the evolution of performance improvement in the development of DSSCs with consideration of natural dye extraction and software simulation. This review also focuses on the results of extracting natural dyes from herbal ingredients, which are still very limited in information, and several parts of herbal plants that can be used as natural dye sources in the future of solid-state DSSCs have been identified. Based on the results of this review, the highest efficiency was obtained for the DSSC that used chlorophyll pigments as natural dyes using Peltophorum pterocarpum leaves with 6.07%, followed by anthocyanin pigments as natural dyes using raspberries (black) fruits with 1.5%, flavonoid pigments as natural dyes using Curcuma longa herbs with 0.64%, and flavonoid pigments as natural dyes using Indigofera tinctoria flowers with 0.46%.

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

Enhanced Performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Through the Incorporation of Al2O3 Nanofillers in Polymer Electrolytes

In recent advancements in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) technology, the integration of inorganic nanofillers into polymer electrolytes has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the structural stability and electrochemical performance of the devices. This study investigates the impact of various inorganic nanofillers, including TiO2, SiO2, and Al2O3, on the properties of polymer composite electrolytes employed in solid-state DSSCs sensitized with N719 dye. Among the considered nanofillers, the incorporation of Al2O3 into the polymer composite electrolyte demonstrated superior results, exhibiting heightened ionic conductivity and photo-current density attributed to increased amorphicity and reduced crystallinity. The Al2O3-enhanced DSSCs achieved notable photovoltaic parameters, including a conversion efficiency (η) of 5.61%, a high short circuit current (JSC) of approximately 13.17 mA/cm2, and an open circuit voltage (VOC) of approximately 0.707 V. Comparative analysis with other polymer composite electrolytes revealed that the Al2O3-based system surpassed in terms of photovoltaic performance. This study underscores the pivotal role of diverse nanofillers in polymer composite electrolytes for augmenting photocurrent density, conversion efficiency, and overall device stability.

A numerical simulation of novel solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell based on kesterite as the electrolyte

This paper explores the potential of four kesterite and stannite compounds: copper iron tin sulfide (CFTS), copper nitride tin sulfide (CNTS), copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS), and copper zinc tin selenide (CTZSe), as solid-state p-type materials to replace the liquid electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) structures. Using the SCAPS 1-D numerical simulator, we incorporate zinc oxysulfide (ZnOS) as the electron transport layer (ETL) in the proposed DSSC configuration: FTO/ZnOS/N719 dye/kesterite/Au. Our simulations reveal outstanding performance with a 200 nm thickness of CZTSe as the solid-state electrolyte, achieving a conversion efficiency of 12.91 %. This efficiency surpasses that of CZTS (12.20 %), CNTS (12.47 %), and CFTS (5.53 %) at a selected 400 nm dye thickness. In comparison to previous simulation and experimental results, our proposed configurations represent a promising alternative for advancing solid-state DSSC technology. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of kesterite thickness (ranging from 50 nm to 300 nm) with a constant defect density of 1 × 1014 cm−3 on DSSC performance. Our findings indicate almost constant conversion efficiency, with only around a 0.2 % change, demonstrating stable DSSC operation.

Molecular Engineering of Photosensitizers for Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Recent Developments and Perspectives.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a feasible alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells because of their low cost, eco-friendliness, flexibility, and acceptable device efficiency. In recent years, solid-state DSSCs (ss-DSSCs) have garnered much interest as they can overcome the leakage and evaporation issues of liquid electrolyte systems. However, the poor morphology of solid electrolytes and their interface with photoanodes can minimize the device performance. The photosensitizer/dye is a critical component of ss-DSSCs and plays a vital role in the device's overall performance. In this review, we summarize recent developments and performance of photosensitizers, including mono- and co-sensitization of ruthenium, porphyrin, and metal-free organic dyes under 1 sun and ambient/artificial light conditions. We also discuss the various requirements that efficient photosensitizers should satisfy and provide an overview of their historical development over the years.

SCAPS Numerical Analysis of Graphene Oxide /TiO2 Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell Sensitized byN719 Ruthenium Dye

Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (SSDSC) have been fabricated using two different metal oxide materials, graphene oxide and titanium oxide, are used as hole and electron transport materials, respectively. The N719 dye ruthenium between the hole and electron transport materials to act as an absorber layer in your Go/N719dye/TiO2 solar cells. Through the SCAPS-1D simulation, it was found that the Go/N719dye/TiO2 solar cells have significantly improved the performance of the solar cells compared to the Go/TiO2 solar cells. Specifically, the short circuit current (Jsc) has increased from 0.17 mA/cm2 to 1 mA/cm2, the open circuit voltage (Voc) has increased from 0.2 V to 1 V, and the power conversion efficiency (η) has increased from 0.02% to 2.5%. Additionally, Various factors that can affect the performance of Go/N719 dye/TiO2 solar cells. It was found that the optimal dye thickness for achieving high short circuit current density, high power conversion efficiency, and high open circuit voltage is between 200nm and 300nm. Furthermore, the operating temperature of the solar cells also affects their performance. Increasing the operating temperature negatively affects the open circuit voltage and power conversion efficiency of the cells, while the short circuit current density is slightly enhanced. Finally, the efficiency of a solar cell can be affected by the type of metal used for the electrode and the type of semiconductor material used in the cell. In Ni and Cu electrodes solar cells ohmic contacts allow for efficient transfer of electrons, whereas Schottky barriers can impede electron flow and reduce efficiency in Mo and Ag electrodes solar cells .

Nanostructured Coordination Polymers for Solid State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells have the potential to provide a viable source of renewable energy to help decarbonize our economy and power wearable devices. With their exceptional performance in diffused light under indoor conditions, DSCs remain competitive for powering the next digital revolution forming the internet of things.[1] Conventional DSCs use a liquid electrolyte; however, a lot of research is going into replacing it with a solid hole transporter material to make the technology better suited for scale-up and commercialization. We work with an emerging class of materials called nanostructured coordination polymers (CP) and explore their application as a hole transport material aimed at creating high performing monolithic solid-state DSCs.Nanostructured CPs possess the highly ordered structure of inorganic materials combined with the chemically tailorable properties and low cost of organics.[2] Thanks to their high external surface area, aspect ratios, nanoscopic dimensions and novel electronic and optical properties, CPs have been found to outperform their precursors in a wide range of applications and are ideal for evaluation as solid-state hole transport materials in DSCs. CPs facilitate the formation of extended polymeric structure of metal ions and the coordinating atoms of the organic ligands. The systems are designed by taking the following conditions into consideration- the energy overlap of the orbitals of the metal ions and the coordinating atoms and their relative electronegativities. Incorporating redox-active metal centres into conducting polymer substrates thus creates highly efficient redox conductivity. Metal centres can provide efficient sites for redox conductivity but can also act as thermodynamic sinks that trap/localize charges due to their low-lying energetic states.[3] Based on these design criteriae, we explore Copper benzenetetrathiol (Cu-BTT) as an ideal candidate for hole transporting roles in solid state dye sensitized solar cells.We show that Cu-BTT is formed by alternating Cu2+ and C6H2S4 2- units with pairs of chelating S atoms from the ligand coordinating around the metal centre. Formation of 1D chain-type nanowires is a good strategy for through bond charge transport. The as-prepared pristine Cu-BTT coordination polymers were found to exhibit a conductivity of the order 10-6 S cm-1. Upon altering the technique used for thin film preparation, the conductivity was found to increase by up to an order of a magnitude. Layer by layer assembly of the coordination polymer was found to be the best performing, giving a fairly uniform epitaxial growth of Cu-BTT over large areas and showing conductivities of the order 10-3 S cm-1 without additives. Using AFM imaging studies, we show that this morphology creates the formation of highly interconnected networks of CuBTT nanowires which improves the conductivity. We also demonstrate that epitaxially grown Cu-BTT also shows better performance as a hole transport material in the DSSC devices as compared to Cu-BTT films prepared using drop casting or spin-coating technique. This is because during epitaxial growth the precursors get a better chance to infiltrate the pores in the mesoporous layer and the polymeric HTM forms direct contact with the dye molecules. This is corroborated by photoinduced absorption spectroscopy (PIA) measurements where we observe that the ground state bleach and absorption peaks of the dye (Y123) disappear upon introduction of the epitaxially grown CuBTT HTM. This demonstrates an efficient and complete reduction of the oxidized dye molecules therefore proving that CuBTT nanowire type 1D coordination polymers can be utilized successfully as hole transport layers in solid state dye sensitised solar cells. This work shows that 1D coordination polymers hold significant potential as solid-state hole transport materials to create monolithic solid state DSSCs with improved performance. REFERENCES [1] M. Freitag et al., “Dye-sensitized solar cells for efficient power generation under ambient lighting,” Nat. Photonics, vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 372–378, 2017, doi: 10.1038/nphoton.2017.60.[2] K. Sasitharan et al., “Metal‐Organic Framework Nanosheets as Templates to Enhance Performance in Semi‐Crystalline Organic Photovoltaic Cells,” Adv. Sci., vol. 2200366, p. 2200366, 2022, doi: 10.1002/advs.202200366.[3] A. J. Clough et al., “Room Temperature Metallic Conductivity in a Metal − Organic Framework Induced by Oxidation,” 2019, doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b06898. Figure 1

Numerical investigation of octakis (4-methoxyphenyl) spiro [fluorene-9, 9′ xanthene]−2, 2′, 7, 7′-tetraamine) (X60) as hole transport layer in solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell

Abstract In this work, we have presented a solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (SSDSSC) using X60 (full name: octakis(4-methoxyphenyl)spiro[fluorene-9,9′ xanthene]−2,2′,7,7′-tetraamine) as a hole transport layer (HTL). The proposed structure consists of FTO/TiO2/N719 Dye/X60/Ni. The simulation is performed using Solar Cell Capacitance One-Dimensional software. Initial results showed an efficiency η of 7.411%, a fill factor FF of 81.598%, a short-circuit current density J SC of 6.333 mA cm−2, and an open-circuit voltage V OC of 1.433 V. Afterward, various parameters, such as X60, N719, TiO2 thicknesses; X60/N719 defect; temperature; and back contact materials, were investigated to determine their effect on the suggested structure. After optimization (thicknesses: 0.4/0.4/0.9/0.3 μm; defect density: 109 cm−2; temperature: 285 K; back contact material: Ni), an efficiency of 7.846% was achieved with a 1.443 V open-circuit voltage, 6.593 mA/cm2 short-circuit current density, and an 82.460% fill factor. Lastly, the findings reveal that employing X60 as the HTL for SSDSSC provides better performance compared to other HTLs (CuSCN, CuI, and P3HT). This study contributes to the development and production of SSDSSC.

Multi-functional zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) for solid-state fiber energy harvesting and storage devices

Wearable electronic devices using energy device-based smart fibers have brought changes in Internet of Things (IoT) technology paradigms. Since electric power is essential to drive all current electronic devices, a flexible energy device is essential to construct a wearable energy systems. Herein, two different types of the fiber-based energy devices were manufactured using ZIF-67, which can improve catalytic properties. First of all, it was confirmed that ZIF-67 was adsorbed on the electrodes of the solid-state fiber-shaped supercapacitor (SS-FSC) and the catalytic property was enhanced, thereby improving the specific capacitance. Second, it was verified that ZIF-67 was adsorbed on the surface of Pt wire, which is the counter electrode (CE) of the solid-state fiber dye-sensitized solar cell (SS-FDSSC), to improve the catalytic properties, resulting in the improvement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the SS-FDSSCs. The optimized SS-FDSSC demonstrated enhanced electrocatalytic activity, with a PCE of up to 7.03%, which is about 40% greater than that of the pristine Pt wire electrode (5.02%). Therefore, the fiber-based energy devices functionalized with ZIF-67 with excellent catalytic properties and high surface area have been identified as having great potential for producing novel and efficient power sources for wearable electronic devices to be utilized in IoT 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.

Effects of metal bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imides as dopants of a hole-transporting tercarbazole compound on the photovoltaic performance of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

A mixture of 3,3′′,6,6′′-tetrakis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-9′-ethyl-9,3′:6′,9′′-ter-9H-carbazole (TerCz) and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodine (MPII) was utilized as a hole transporter for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The power conversion efficiency of a solid-state DSSC with magnesium(II) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (MgTFSI2)-doped TerCz/MPII layer was over 70% higher than that of a reference cell with LiTFSI dopant. Superior hole collection and electron injection efficiencies were achieved in the DSSC with the MgTFSI2 dopant, resulting in a much higher short-circuit current than that of the reference device. By doping MgTFSI2, a higher fill factor was also recorded due to a lower series resistance than that of the reference cell.

Mechanistic insights into the effect of newly developed dye anchor counter electrode in enhancing the efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells

Constrained absorption nature of the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is one of the key limitations in attaining the optimum efficiency. In this report, we have adopted the newly developed DACE technique to achieve panchromatic absorption nature in solid state DSSC. Herein, TVP208 and DPP13 have been synthesized and explored for the dye anchor counter electrode (DACE) based DSSC, and the effect of DACE electrodes have been studied systematically by comparing with the traditional SS-DSSC devices. TVP208 and DPP13 dyes have shown complementary absorption nature, a prerequisite for obtaining panchromatic absorption in DACE. The SS-DSSC device with TVP208 sensitized working electrode and DPP13 based DACE electrode (SS-Device 2) has shown higher efficiency of 5.08 %. The improved efficiency of DACE based SS-DSSC devices than the traditional SS-DSSC devices could be attributed to the enhanced light harvesting property achieved by employing DACE electrode. The improved IPCE for the DACE based devices signify the contribution of DACE electrode in increasing the device efficiency.

Expression of Concern: Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells based on Zn1-xSnxO nanocomposite photoanodes.

Expression of Concern for 'Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells based on Zn1-xSnxO nanocomposite photoanodes' by Ayat Nasr El-Shazly et al., RSC Adv., 2018,8, 24059-24067, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/c8ra02852d.

Efficient charge transport in a solid electrolyte with percolated Pt for solid-state fiber dye-sensitized solar cells

Percolation effect introduced solid-state electrolyte is fabricated by metal sputtering process on the surface of Li-TFSI film. The percolation effect could provide efficient electron extraction through the solid electrolyte surface.

Investigation on optical properties and photovoltaic performance of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells comprised of photoanodes of titanium dioxide nanoparticles calcinated at different temperatures

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were constructed using photoanodes of TiO2 nanoparticles (Degussa P25) calcinated at diverse temperatures. The calcinated TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and N719 dye anchored TiO2 thin films were subjected to diffuse reflectance spectral and dye desorption studies. The band gaps of TiO2 nanoparticles calcinated at higher temperatures (700 and 900 °C) were shifted to lower energy levels by predominant anatase phase transformation into rutile and increase in the particles size. The performance of DSSCs with TiO2 (Degussa P25) nanofiller incorporated solid-state PEO electrolyte was examined at light intensity of 60 mW cm−2. The DSSC with TiO2 (Degussa P25) nanoparticles photoanode was exhibited overall efficiency of 1.86%, which was ∼4.9 and 9.8-folds greater over the DSSCs having photoanodes of TiO2 nanoparticles calcinated at 700 and 900 °C, respectively. This can be attributed to higher surface area of TiO2 nanoparticles that facilitates higher dye adsorption and predominant anatase phase for favorable electron transfer. The DSSCs stability was confirmed through chronoamperometry experiments.

Low cost and efficient counter electrode for solid-state natural dye-sensitized solar cells

Low cost and efficient counter electrode for solid-state natural dye-sensitized solar cells

Atomic Layer Deposition of SnO2 as an Electron Transport Material for Solid-State P-type Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Tin oxide (SnO2) as an electron transport material was prepared by atomic layer deposition in dye-sensitized NiO films to fabricate solid-state p-type dye-sensitized solar cells using two organic dyes PB6 and TIP as photosensitizers. Due to the excellent electron mobility and satisfactory penetration of SnO2 material into the NiO film, a record photocurrent density over 1 mA cm–2 was achieved with a power conversion efficiency of 0.14%. The effect of an inserted Al2O3 layer between the dye-sensitized NiO and SnO2 layer on photovoltaic performance of the devices was also investigated. The results suggest that the charge recombination between NiO and SnO2 can be significantly suppressed, showing prolonged charge lifetime and enhanced photovoltage.

Rapid and Facile Fabrication of Polyiodide Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Ambient Air Drying.

Dye-sensitized solar cells are promising candidates for low-cost indoor power generation applications. However, they currently suffer from complex fabrication and stability issues arising from the liquid electrolyte. Consequently, the so-called zombie cell was developed, in which the liquid electrolyte is dried out to yield a solid through a pinhole after cell assembly. We report a method for faster, simpler, and potentially more reliable production of zombie cells through direct and rapid drying of the electrolyte on the working electrode prior to cell assembly, using an iodide–triiodide redox couple electrolyte as a basis. These “rapid-zombie” cells were fabricated with power conversion efficiencies reaching 5.0%, which was larger than the 4.5% achieved for equivalent “slow” zombie cells. On a large-area cell of 15.68 cm2, over 2% efficiency was achieved at 0.2 suns. After 12 months of dark storage, the “rapid-zombie” cells were remarkably stable and actually showed a moderate increase in average efficiencies.