Cu(ii/i) redox couples: potential alternatives to traditional electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

DSSCs have reached certified efficiency of 11.9% and device efficiency of 14.3% using I−/I3− or Co(ii/iii) redox shuttles. But, they have many constraints and Cu(i/ii) electrolytes are found to be best alternatives and the efficiency has crossed 30% under low light conditions, potential applications in Internet of things.

DFT data to relate calculated LUMO energy with experimental reduction potentials of Cu(II)-β-diketonato complexes

“…The reference values used are either E (SCE) = 0.241 V or E (SSCE) = 0.2360 V, versus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE). The catalytic property and application of copper-β-diketonato compounds as redox mediators for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), depends on their redox potential [1] , [2] , [3] , 10 , 11] . This is why the theoretical prediction of the redox potential of copper-β-diketonato compounds from these existing E pc - E LUMO relationships, is indispensable.…”

“…New catalysts can therefore be customized with a specific reduction potential and catalytic activity. Further, the Cu(II/I) redox couple is a potential alternative as electrolyte for dye-sensitized solar cells [1] , [2] , [3] . The redox potential of the electrolyte can drastically affect the photovoltage output and should therefore be optimized for efficiency and durability.…”

Role of π-spacer in regulating the photovoltaic performance of copper electrolyte dye-sensitized solar cells using triphenylimidazole dyes

“…2 Among them, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been developed rapidly due to their flexibility, transparency, high powerconversion efficiencies (PCEs) under artificial light conditions and lower manufacturing cost. [3][4][5][6][7] Therefore, it is considered to be one among the most promising solutions for future green energy demands and low-carbon economy. In DSSC, dye is one of the main components which absorbs the light and generate photo-electrons.…”

Rationalization of excited state energy transfer in D–π–A porphyrin sensitizers enhancing efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

“…Recently, organic photovoltaics lead in high demand to generate flexible, stable and low production cost solar cells in which dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are of significant interest due to ease in fabrication, excellent incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) while being eco-friendly. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] In 1991, Grätzel et al introduced the basic principle mechanism of nanocrystalline DSSCs. 9 In this technology, the core is the photosensitizer which rules the two key basic principle of PV, light harvesting, exciton formation and separation in contact with nanocrystalline TiO 2 and a redox mediator in electrolyte.…”

“…Fig 4. Comparison of PL decay using TCSPC technique at 480 nm excitation wavelength LG8-LG10 dyes in tert-butanol:acetonitrile mixture including 2mM of CDCA (solution O.D.…”