Designing of high‐performance dye‐sensitized solar cells by using a new electrolyte based on deep eutectic solvents

Abstract

The present research is aimed to develop an efficient electrolyte based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this regard, the performance of the propylene carbonate (PC) and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) based DES (PC/TBAI-DES) as a new electrolyte solvent for DSSCs is evaluated for the first time. Herein, the effects of various electrolyte components, namely the amount of acetonitrile (AN), iodine, and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide (EmimI), are investigated. The optimal conditions are achieved with an electrolyte composition of 0.1 M of iodine and EmimI in a binary mixture of PC/TBAI-DES and AN (volume ratio 80:20). The DSSCs based on this electrolyte attained a significant conversion efficiency of 10.04% (J sc = 21.94 mA cm 2 , V oc = 0.78 V, and FF = 0.58) under 1 sun (AM 1.5) illumination. Moreover, a detailed view of the molecular arrangement of PC/TBAI-DES solution near the titanium dioxide and platinum solid surfaces as electrodes of DSSCs is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Besides, the interaction parameters between TBAI ion pair and PC molecule are determined through density functional theory.

Preparation of polysubstituted imidazoles using AC-SO3H/[Urea]7[ZnCl2]2as an efficient catalyst system: a novel method, and α-glucosidase inhibitor activity

“…41,42 Since the rst one was made by Abbott's group in the year 2001, a number of other DESs have indeed been discovered as solvents and catalysts for organic transformations such as the creation of carboncarbon [43][44][45] and carbon-heteroatom 46 bonding, as well as multicomponent reactions. DESs have been employed in a wide range of applications, including the extraction of cellulose, 47 chitin, 48 polysaccharides, 49 lipids, 50 and other polarity chemicals, 51 as well as the electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cells, [52][53][54] lithium-ion batteries, [55][56][57] and electrochemical double-layer capacitors. 58 As an environmentally friendly catalyst for organic transformation, deep eutectic solvent [Urea] 7 [ZnCl 2 ] 2 made of urea and zinc chloride has recently come to light (Scheme 2).…”

Preparation of mixed metal oxide nanostructures derived from Zn/Ce‐layered double hydroxide as a photoanode for dye‐sensitized solar cells

“…4 The sunlight can be directly converted into electrical power based on the photovoltaic effect by using solar cells or photovoltaic cells. 5 The efficiency and cost of solar cells are the main barriers in their extensive usage as a major source of energy. Therefore, many types of research are dedicated to the improvement of solar cells.…”