Optimising Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells: Unveiling the Impact of Semiconductor Layer Thickness, Dye Concentration, and Electrolyte Composition

In a quest for enhanced solar cell performance, a comprehensive investigation into various influencing factors, including semiconductor layer thickness, dye concentration, and electrolyte composition, is imperative. This study aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between the thickness of the TiO₂ layer and the concentration of N719 dye, while getting the most from the electrolyte composition with different additive concentrations.

Background
Dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC) rely on several key factors for optimal performance, including the thickness of the semiconductor layer, dye concentration, and electrolyte composition. Understanding the interconnected effects of these parameters is crucial for advancing DSSC technology.

Methodology
The research systematically examines the impact of varying TiO2 absorption layer thicknesses and N719 dye concentrations on DSSC performance. Additionally, the electrolyte composition is optimised by varying concentrations of additives such as iodine, 4-tert-butyl-pyridine (TBP), guanidinium thiocyanate (GuNCS), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide (BMII).

Key Findings
The study reveals that the open-circuit voltage (VOC) decreases with increasing TiO2 layer thickness. The highest efficiency of 7.17% is achieved with a TiO2 layer thickness of 17.46 μm and a N719 dye concentration of 0.7 mM. Furthermore, optimal electrolyte composition includes 0.03-M iodine, 0.1-M GuNCS, 0.5-M TBP, and 0.6-M BMII.

Implications
These findings underscore the importance of fine-tuning semiconductor layer thickness, dye concentration, and electrolyte composition for maximising DSSC efficiency. Future research directions could focus on further optimising these parameters and exploring additional innovations in DSSC technology to advance sustainable and efficient solar energy conversion systems.

Source

Optimization of electrolyte co-additives, TiO2 thickness, and dye concentration for the enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cells, Journal of Applied Electrochemistry Article, 2024-05-06