Enhancing the Photovoltaic Performance of Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Composite Materials and Luminescent Down-Shifting

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells produce saturation of electrons and holes when exposed to high-intensity UV photons. These photon energies do not match the bandgap of the semiconductor materials, which not only degrades the dye and electrolyte but also disrupts the electron kinetics. In this work, graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated into TiO 2 to form a composite photoanode structure. The results indicated that a composite photoanode based on GO/TiO 2 enhanced the power conversion efficiency of a solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (ss-DSSC) by 62% compared to that of pure TiO 2. This enhancement is attributed to the high conductivity of graphene oxide. Further improvement in device performance was obtained by plasmonic luminescent down-shifting (LDS), where the UV region of the solar spectrum is shifted hundreds of nanometers. The multifunctional LDS coating layer was fabricated with a composite of ZnSe quantum dots and Ag nanoparticles. The experimental results demonstrated the ability of LDS to absorb photons at wavelengths below 400 nm and re-emit them at longer wavelengths (above 400 nm), where the cell has better photovoltaic response. When compared to a bare ss-DSSC, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is enhanced by 37.62% for cells with a Ag/ZnSe coating layer. Moreover, the LDS-coated device exhibits 16.45% increased photon-to-current conversion efficiency compared to the LDS-free device for wavelengths lower than 500 nm. The 240-h aging tests confirmed that the LDS-coated ss-DSSC retained $ 83% of its original PCE value. This potential LDS coating layer not only leads to excellent device stability but also improves the cell performance, which increases the market value of the ss-DSSCs.

Feasibility of Emission-Enhanced CsPbCl3 Quantum Dots Co-Doped with Mn2+ and Er3+ as Luminescent Downshifting Layers in Crystalline Silicon Solar Modules

“…At the same time, it should have good luminescence properties, including a sufficiently large Stokes shift and a high emission quantum efficiency. Suitable candidates include organic dyes, , rare-earth-doped materials, − phosphorescent nanomaterials, , and inorganic quantum dots (QDs). − Inorganic perovskite (CsPbX 3 ; X = Cl, Br, I) QDs have become popular in research on luminescent nanomaterials because of their ease of preparation, adjustable E g values, and high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs). − CsPbX 3 QDs are favorable candidates for LDS materials . However, CsPbX 3 QDs have two obvious shortcomings for use as LDS materials: their narrow-band edge emission leads to high reabsorption losses, and their poor stability is not conducive to long-term storage and use. − …”

“…At the same time, it should have good luminescence properties, including a sufficiently large Stokes shift and a high emission quantum efficiency. Suitable candidates include organic dyes, 10,11 rare-earth-doped materials, 12−14 phosphorescent nanomaterials, 15,16 and inorganic quantum dots (QDs). 17−19 Inorganic perovskite (CsPbX 3 ; X = Cl, Br, I) QDs have become popular in research on luminescent nanomaterials because of their ease of preparation, adjustable E g values, and high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs).…”

Enhanced Absorption Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell with Composite Materials and Bilayer Structure of Nanorods and Nanospheres

“…The photon-to-current conversion process in dye-sensitized solar cells may be summed up as photo-generation, charge-carrier transition and collection of charge carriers [4,5]. Although DSSCs have the capability to harvest incoming photons over various wavelengths, they are still facing poorer power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to currently existing solar cells, making them less attractive for the photovoltaic industry [6,7]. Researchers have proposed many techniques to improve their light-harvesting capabilities, including additional sensitizers with appropriate absorption bands [8,9], expanding the surface area of the semiconductor, and employing tandem devices [10].…”

Exploring n‐type SiC film with ultralow work function Cs coating surface for solar cell anode

“…The properties of anode materials have a fundamental significance on the performance of the battery. [9][10][11] Ideal anode materials should meet a basic requirement of low work function, thereby to improve the electron collection efficiency and elevate operate voltage. In the early stage of PETE converters, a metal with a thin coating can achieve low work function, regarding as a good alternative of anode materials, for example, diamonds.…”

“…The properties of anode materials have a fundamental significance on the performance of the battery 9‐11 . Ideal anode materials should meet a basic requirement of low work function, thereby to improve the electron collection efficiency and elevate operate voltage.…”