A down-shifting Eu ³⁺ -doped Y ₂ WO ₆ /TiO ₂ photoelectrode for improved light harvesting in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Y1.86Eu0.14WO6 phosphors were prepared using a solid-state reaction method. Their optical properties were analysed, and they was mixed with TiO2, sintered, and used as a photoelectrode (PE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The as-prepared photoelectrode was characterized by photoluminescence spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray diffraction. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSSC with TiO2:Y1.86Eu0.14WO6 (100:2.5) was 25.8% higher than that of a DSCC using pure TiO2 as PE. This high efficiency is due to the ability of the luminescent material to convert ultraviolet radiation from the sun to visible radiation, thus improving the solar light harvesting of the DSSC.

First Principles Study of Dendritic Carbazole Photosensitizer Dyes Modified with Different Conjugation Structures

“…Though conventional dyes are sensitive in visible region of electromagnetic spectrum but in principle the photovoltaic conversion of global AM 1.5 irradiance into electric current can be carried out by using photons having wavelength less than 920 nm . The UV light in the spectrum can be made useful for DSSC by using down‐conversion luminescent materials . The DFT predictions on spectral response of dyes in UV region can also be used to study the dye degradation by UV exposure .…”

“…[59] The UV light in the spectrum can be made useful for DSSC by using down-conversion luminescent materials. [60] The DFT predictions on spectral response of dyes in UV region can also be used to study the dye degradation by UV exposure. [61] Hence, the competent organic dye structure is one which exhibit strong excitation peak from IR to visible region of spectrum.…”

Recent Progress and Emerging Applications of Rare Earth Doped Phosphor Materials for Dye‐Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review

“…Afterwards, Duan group fabricated a DSC device that can with stand to all type of weather conditions with the assistance of long persistant SrAl 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ and Sr 4 Al 14 O 25 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ DC phosphors and reported an efficiency of 8.86 % and 26 % under 1 sun illumination and in the dark conditions . Recently in 2018, J. Llonas demonstrated improved light harvesting ability with the incorporation of Eu 3+ doped Y 2 WO 6 /TiO 2 layer as working electrode in DSC devices.These DSC devices with DC layer exhibited better photovoltaic performance of efficiency 3.9 % relative to bare TiO 2 (3.1 %) …”

“…[105] These devices revealed enhanced PCE when compared to the cells without compact layer is related to the high transparency of the compact layer, reduction in the electrons recombination rate and enhanced UV light harvesting and the corresponding IPCE spectrum is shown in Figure 12(a) [106] Recently in 2018, J. Llonas demonstrated improved light harvesting ability with the incorporation of Eu 3 + doped Y 2 WO 6 /TiO 2 layer as working electrode in DSC devices.These DSC devices with DC layer exhibited better photovoltaic performance of efficiency 3.9 % relative to bare TiO 2 (3.1 %). [107]…”

Optimum Luminescent Down-Shifting Properties for High Efficiency and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

“…27,28 The main materials used for this process are quantum dots (QDs), 29-32 dyes [33][34][35] and rare-earth elements. [36][37][38] These materials have recently been applied to perovskite, 25,26 organic 39 and dye sensitized solar cells 40 to improve their life-time without compromising their overall performance. When compared with the use of UV filters, which is the current common way of enhancing the UV stability of PSCs, 22 using DS benefits from the exploitation of the energy of otherwise lost photons, while still protecting the absorber material from the harmful UV radiation.…”