Exploring DSSC Efficiency Enhancement: SQI-F and SQI-Cl Dyes with Iodolyte Electrolytes and CDCA Optimization

Autor: Sultan A. Al-horaibi, Abdel-Basit Al-Odayni, Mohammed ALSaeedy, Fares Hezam Al-Ostoot, Adel Al-Salihy, Abdulmajeed Alezzy, Arwa Al-Adhreai, Faizaa A. Saif, Salama A. Yaseen, Waseem Sharaf Saeed
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Molecules, Vol 28, Iss 20, p 7129 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1420-3049
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207129
Popis: This investigation delves into the potential use of halogen bonding to enhance both the short-circuit current (JSC) and overall efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Specifically, we synthesized two distinct dyes, SQI-F and SQI-Cl, and characterized them using FT-IR, 1HNMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy. These dyes are based on the concept of incorporating halogen atoms within unsymmetrical squaraine structures with a donor–acceptor–donor (D-A-D) configuration. This strategic design aims to achieve optimal performance within DSSCs. We conducted comprehensive assessments using DSSC devices and integrated these synthesized dyes with iodolyte electrolytes, denoted as Z-50 and Z-100. Further enhancements were achieved through the addition of CDCA. Remarkably, in the absence of CDCA, both SQI-F and SQI-Cl dyes displayed distinct photovoltaic characteristics. However, through sensitization with three equivalents of CDCA, a significant improvement in performance became evident. The peak of performance was reached with the SQI-F dye, sensitized with three equivalents of CDCA, and paired with iodolyte Z-100. This combination yielded an impressive DSSC device efficiency of 6.74%, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.694 V, and a current density (JSC) of 13.67 mA/cm2. This substantial improvement in performance can primarily be attributed to the presence of a σ-hole, which facilitates a robust interaction between the electrolyte and the dyes anchored on the TiO2 substrate. This interaction optimizes the critical dye regeneration process within the DSSCs, ultimately leading to the observed enhancement in efficiency.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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