An Efficient Aniline‐Based Co‐Sensitizer for High Performance N3‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

In this work, we report a comprehensive photovoltaic investigation of a structurally simple Donor‐Acceptor (D−A) configured organic dye, N,N‐PABA as an active co‐sensitizer in DSSCs sensitized with well‐known Ru (II) based N3 dye. This effective co‐sensitizer (N,N‐PABA) comprises N,N‐dimethylaniline system as a donor scaffold linked with 4‐aminobenzoic acid as an electron withdrawing functionality. In the present study, we have demonstrated the profound effect of concentration of sensitizer, i. e. N3 based dye as well as co‐sensitizer, i. e. N,N‐PABA on the photovoltaic performance characteristics of solar cells. Interestingly, the best photovoltaic performance was obtained for the co‐sensitized device fabricated using 0.2 mM of N,N‐PABA along with 0.3 mM of N3 sensitizer, in presence of 20 mM of CDCA. It displayed power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.82% with JSC of 14.35 mA.cm−2, VOC of 0.626 V and FF of 64.85%. Here, the N,N‐PABA effectively filled the absorption valley, avoided the dye aggregation and reduced the charge recombination in the co‐sensitized devices. Thus, the results ameliorate the role of efficient co‐sensitizers to yield DSSC with improved performance by the selection of a matchable co‐sensitizer at an appropriate concentration.

Ferrocenyl‐2‐pyridylimine derived d10‐configuration complexes as prospective co‐sensitizers in dye sensitized solar cells

“…iodine/triodide or cobalt (II)/copper (II) pyridyl based redox couples/mediators and suitable electrolytic medium. [ 8,9 ] The slight alternation in nature of these constituents may up‐lift the cell performance. [ 8,9 ] In addition, the solid state DSSCs have been developed by employing quasi‐solid state electrolytes such as polyvinylpyrrolidone‐polyethylene blend based polymer electrolyte and POEI‐TEMPO combined with iodide electrolyte.…”

“…[ 8,9 ] The slight alternation in nature of these constituents may up‐lift the cell performance. [ 8,9 ] In addition, the solid state DSSCs have been developed by employing quasi‐solid state electrolytes such as polyvinylpyrrolidone‐polyethylene blend based polymer electrolyte and POEI‐TEMPO combined with iodide electrolyte. [ 8,9 ] Therefore, the investigations concerning with the III generation photovoltaics are mainly focusing on tuning these constituents.…”

“…[ 8,9 ] In addition, the solid state DSSCs have been developed by employing quasi‐solid state electrolytes such as polyvinylpyrrolidone‐polyethylene blend based polymer electrolyte and POEI‐TEMPO combined with iodide electrolyte. [ 8,9 ] Therefore, the investigations concerning with the III generation photovoltaics are mainly focusing on tuning these constituents. In these constituents, rationally selecting suitable sensitizers/light harvesters play key role as this also delays charge recombination properties with overall improvement in device performance.…”

Amine functionalized homoleptic ruthenium(II) sensitizer for dye‐sensitized solar cells: A combined effect of ancillary ligands and co‐sensitization

“…Higher electron lifetime values of coumarin co‐adsorbed DSSCs may due to higher surface coverage of RDAB3 and coumarin‐based co‐sensitizers on the TiO 2 films blocks the approach of I 3 ‐ ions to TiO 2 surface directly and diminish the recombination of electrons with tri‐iodide ions. Voc depends on the electron lifetime (τ CB ) on CB of TiO 2 and larger the τ CB leads to increasing the Voc …”

Efficiency enhancement of ruthenium-based DSSCs employing A–π–D–π–A organic Co-sensitizers

“…[3][4][5][6] DSSCs comprise several different components, such as conductive glass, a mesoporous semiconductor lm, electrolytes and sensitizers, so efficient tuning is crucial to realizing the highest efficiency for these major components. [7][8][9][10][11] In DSSCs, the molecular geometry of the sensitizer should be engineered and designed to achieve broad UV absorption spectra, harmonious thermodynamic properties, suitable molecular orbital energy levels and excellent stability. [12][13][14][15] In addition, the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the sensitizer are very important for the initiation of light harvesting and for obtaining the electrochemical processes required for effective DSSCs.…”