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Here, we synthesized metal-free organic dye (CCPICPB) with two carbazole donor groups and two anchoring groups that exhibit a panchromatic absorption in the near-infrared range of up to 750 nm. To study the photophysical properties of synthesized CCPICPB dye, the UV–Vis and cyclic voltammetric experiments were studied and the obtained results were validated with theoretical simulation studies. After that, the solvothermal approach is used to synthesize pristine anatase and calcium (Ca)-doped TiO2 microspheres with a smooth morphology. These microstructures are examined in depth using XRD, electron microscopy and electrochemical analysis methods. On TiO2 and Ca-doped TiO2 photoanode materials, we first evaluated the performance of CCPICPB dye. Upon our optimized experimental condition, the 3% Ca-TiO2 photoanode-based device exhibits an efficiency of 4.04%, which is greater than that of the pristine TiO2 photoanode-based device (2.93%). Because of the quicker electron transport in the Ca-TiO2 film, the short-circuit current density and efficiency of DSSCs were improved. Moreover, when the CCPICPB dye was used as a co-sensitizer with the common Ru(II) dye (Z907), interestingly it showed the highest efficiency (6.11%) when compared with Z907 alone (5.12%). This improved efficiency of the co-sensitized device resulted from greater VOC conjugated with improved JSC. The JSC was improved because CCPICB dye could compensate for the photocurrent loss caused by redox electrolyte while the VOC was improved because electron recombination was inhibited under the co-sensitization conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We synthesized POBA dye and studied its performance as a sensitizer and co-sensitizer. In addition, we present a simple method for producing Ni-doped TiO2 with various molar concentrations for use as a photoanode in a DSSC. Further, poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polyethylene glycol (PVDF-PEG) gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) having different concentrations of 1-n-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide were prepared and optimized for usage in DSSCs. We initially tested the performance of POBA dye on TiO2 and Ni-doped TiO2 photoanode materials. Among the POBA sensitized devices, 4% Ni–TiO2 showed a high efficiency of 1.85%. Then, we sensitized Z907 dye on the 4% Ni–TiO2 photoanode, followed by sensitizing it with POBA, which compensated the absorption defect of the Z907 dye as well as filling the gap between the standard dye molecules. This approach enhances and broadens the absorption spectrum of the dyes by molecular filling, compensates for the lack of absorption of Z907, and reduces the recombination of charges. The Z907-based DSSC showed 4.52% efficiency, and after co-sensitization, the DSSC showed an increase in efficiency (5.77%). These findings show that co-sensitizers can cover the naked spectrum in the ultraviolet-visible region, fill the empty space on Ni–TiO2, and reduce recombination reactions. The main motive of this research is to enhance the photo-ability of sensitizers and metal-free co-sensitizers in a Ni–TiO2 photoanode and blend gel polymer electrolyte-based DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightweight computing technologies such as the Internet of Things and flexible wearable systems have penetrated our everyday lives exponentially in recent years. Without a question, the running of such electronic devices is a major energy problem. Generally, these devices need power within the range of microwatts and operate mostly indoors. Thus, it is appropriate to have a self-sustainable power source, such as the photovoltaic (PV) cell, which can harvest indoor light. Among other PV cells, the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has immense capacity to satisfy the energy demands of most indoor electronics, making it a very attractive power candidates because of its many benefits such as readily available materials, relatively cheap manufacturing methods, roll-to-roll compatibility, easy processing capabilities on flexible substrates and exceptional diffuse/low-light performance. This review discusses the recent developments in DSSC materials for its indoor applications. Ultimately, the perspective on this topic is presented after summing up the current progress of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing energy situation demands not only the huge energy in a short time but also clean energy. In this regard, an integrated photo-supercapacitor device has been fabricated in which photoelectric conversion and energy storage are achieved simultaneously. A novel carbazole-based dye is synthesized and characterized for photosensitizer. The silver-doped titanium dioxide (Ag-TiO2) is synthesized, and it is used as photoanode material. Different concentrations of tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI)-doped polyvinyl alcohol–polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVA-PVP) blend polymer electrolytes are prepared, and their conductivity and dielectric properties were studied. Reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) is synthesized by a one-pot synthesis method and confirmed using Raman spectroscopy for counter electrode material in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and supercapacitor electrodes. The DSSC having 4% Ag-TiO2–based photoanode showed the highest efficiency of 1.06% (among r-GO counter electrodes) and 2.37% (among platinum counter electrodes). The supercapacitor before integration and after integration exhibits specific capacitance of 1.72 Fg−1 and 1.327 Fg−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current era focuses not only on producing solar energy but also preserving it for future use. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and supercapacitors (SC) are such energy-based devices. DSSCs capture the solar energy and SCs store this captured energy. A natural anthocyanin dye extracted from Garcinia indica (kokum fruit) was used in the DSSCs. SnO2, one of the promising electrode materials for DSSC, was synthesized via a microwave technique. Blend polymer electrolytes (BPE) were prepared through a solution casting technique. A polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend with varying concentrations of potassium iodide, along with iodine dopant, was prepared as a BPE electrolyte composition. The best of the PVA-PVP/KI composition was chosen using Nyquist plots of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Varying the temperature, the dielectric and conductivity study of the chosen composition was studied in detail. A fast/single-step synthesis technique, namely a laser-engraved approach, was used for few-layer graphene synthesis. This graphene serves as a common platform for the DSSC-SC integrated device: as a counter electrode in DSSC and graphene-graphene symmetric electrode in SC. A DSSC-SC integrated device was fabricated and characterized using various analytical and microscopy techniques. The integrated device showed a 0.42 fill factor and 0.56% efficiency. The discharge time for integrated DSSC-SC cells was found to be increased threefold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an efficient and versatile method of transforming the clean and most plentiful energy resources available. DSSC is translucent to some extent and relatively inexpensive than the traditional solar cell. Thus, it may be a possible source of electricity for the future. But other things need to be focused on before it is considered a viable commercial product. The review discusses these facets and the numerous changes the DSSC has experienced in the recent years. Photoelectric conversion systems struggle to fulfil the specifications of constant power output owing to the erratic and unstable characteristics of the solar radiation. With the evolution of rechargeable electric energy storage systems (ESSs), the integration of a DSSC and ESSs has developed into a promising approach to solve this issue. Here, we describe the working principle, recent progress of DSSCs, including photoanodes, sensitizers, electrolytes, and counter electrodes, and the use of DSSCs in energy storage, targeting DSSC and supercapacitor (SC) integrated devices. The future prospects for highly effective, reliable DSSC and DSSC-SC development have also been highlighted. [Display omitted] • Recent progress in dye sensitized solar cell materials are reviewed. • Developments of photo-supercapacitors are reviewed. • Highlighted main outcomes and significance of each material used. • Describes promising ways to stabilize and improvise the performance of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Today Perovskite solar cell (PSC) has achieved efficiency close to 26%, surpassing the efficiencies of well- known Dye-Sensitized Solar cells (DSSC), CdTe-based solar cells, etc. Ease of preparing perovskite solutions and convenient deposition technique has given them added advantage over other contemporary competitors. This has also made them an economically feasible option. Since the inception of PSCs in 2009, a lot of improvements have been done in various aspects like composition, synthesis technique, fabrication method, and interface study. However, today it is crucial to think about the commercialization of PSCs. In this direction, the stability of PSCs has been a long-standing question. This review focuses on the key aspects of perovskite stability. Challenges posed by environmental factors like moisture, oxygen, temperature, and light are still unanswered. The lead toxicity of PSCs demands a potential substitute of lead with no compromise in their efficiency. The lead-free approach of PSCs and their commercialization has been discussed separately. A suitable emphasis has been given to the encapsulation of solar cells, as we find it a necessary part of the future commercialization process. This review has been addressed with an ideology to provide overall knowledge on the stability issues and challenges concerned with the PSCs, to attract young research community towards this emerging field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a propeller-type molecule with a pyridine core (D) was designed and synthesized. Photophysical and electrochemical studies, along with theoretical DFT simulations, indicated that the molecule has suitable light absorption properties and frontier molecular orbital levels for usage as a sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Meanwhile, the standard dye Z-907 was chosen to investigate the effect of the synthesized molecule as co-adsorbent dye on DSSCs. Intriguingly, when compared to the D and Z907 -based devices, the performance of the co-sensitized Z907 + D cell exhibited an increase in photocurrent (J SC), photo-voltage (V OC), and, as a result, total efficiency (PCE). [Display omitted] In this study, a propeller-type molecule with a pyridine core (D) was designed and synthesized. Photophysical and electrochemical studies, along with theoretical DFT simulations, indicated that the molecule has suitable light absorption properties and frontier molecular orbital levels for usage as a sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Meanwhile, the standard dye Z-907 was chosen to investigate the effect of the synthesized molecule as a co-adsorbent dye on DSSCs. Intriguingly, when compared to the D and Z907 -based devices, the performance of the co-sensitized Z907 + D cell exhibited an increase in photocurrent (J SC), photo-voltage (V OC), and, as a result, total power conversion efficiency (PCE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]