Enhancing Efficiency of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells by Coinage Metal Doping of Cyanidin-Silver Trimer Hybrids at TiO2 Support Based on Theoretical Study

Identification of a natural-based sensitizer with optimal stability and efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application remains a challenging task. Previously, we proposed a new class of sensitizers based on bio-nano hybrids. These systems composed of natural cyanidin dyes interacting with silver nanoclusters (NCs) have demonstrated enhanced opto-electronic and photovoltaic properties. In this study, we explore the doping of silver nanocluster within a cyanidin-Ag3 hybrid employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) and its time-dependent counterpart (TDDFT). Specifically, we investigate the influence of coinage metal atoms (Au and Cu) on the properties of the cyanidin-Ag3 system. Our findings suggest that cyanidin-Ag2Au and cyanidin-AgAuCu emerge as the most promising candidates for improved light harvesting efficiency, increased two-photon absorption, and strong coupling to the TiO2 surface. These theoretical predictions suggest the viability of replacing larger silver NCs with heterometallic trimers such as Ag2Au or AgAuCu, presenting new avenues for utilizing bio-nano hybrids at the surface for DSSC application.

Model systems for dye-sensitized solar cells: cyanidin-silver nanocluster hybrids at TiO2 support

Theoretical study of structural, optical, and photovoltaic properties of novel bio-nano hybrids (dye-nanocluster), as well as at TiO2 surface model support is presented in the context of the application for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). A group of anthocyanidin dyes (pelargonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, peonidin, petunidin, and malvidin) represented by cyanidin covalently bound to silver nanoclusters (NCs) with even or odd number of valence electrons have been investigated using DFT and TDDFT approach. The key role of nanoclusters as acceptors in hybrids cyanidin-NC has been shown. The nanoclusters with an even number of valence electrons are suitable as acceptors in hybrids. The interaction of bio-nano (cyanidin-NC) hybrid with the TiO2 surface model has been investigated in the context of absorption in near-infrared (NIR) and charge separation due to donor and acceptor subunits. Altogether, the theoretical concept serves to identify the key steps in the design of novel solar cells based on bio-nano hybrids at TiO2 surface for DSSC application.

Performance of the dye-sensitized quasi-solid state solar cell with combined anthocyanin-ruthenium photosensitizer

This work contributes to combining 12.2 mM purified anthocyanin of cyanidin-3-glucoside extracted from Indonesian black rice as the natural pigment with a ruthenium photosensitizer (1 : 1) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in liquid and quasi solid-state electrolytes. The findings essentially highlight the spectroscopic and electron transfer mechanism for the future trend of D-π-A natural pigment modification. The complete pigment comparison, dye absorbance, dye adsorption onto the semiconductor, dye electronic properties, electron excitation, and regeneration were investigated using spectroscopic methods. Cells employ TiO₂ mesoporous nanoparticles (19.18 nm grain size, 50.99 m² g^-1 surface area, 87.8% anatase 12.2% rutile, 10.58 μm thickness, 3.18 eV band gap) sensitized by anthocyanin-N719 photosensitizer (12.2 mM) with the I^-/I₃ ^- electrolyte (0.1 M lithium iodide/0.05 M iodine/0.6 M 1-buty-3-methylimidazolium iodide/0.5 M 4-tert-butylpyridine/polyethylene oxide M _w = 1 × 10⁶) - Pt film. As a result, the quasi-solid state with combined anthocyanin-ruthenium dye-sensitized solar cell (3.51%) is achieved and reported for the first time. The work also achieved the highest efficiency of the anthocyanin dye-sensitized quasi-solid state solar cells of 2.65%. The insight on how the combined anthocyanin-N719 and the quasi-solid state electrolytes exhibit better performances will be further discussed.

Interaction of pyridine π-bridge-based poly(methacrylate) dyes for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells with the influence of different strength phenothiazine, fluorene and anthracene sensitizers as donor units with new anchoring mode

A simple and low-cost approach for the synthesis of three novel propeller-shaped (D₂)–π–A type organic polymer dyes has been developed; a new acceptor and π-bridge (PYN) were used to tune the photoelectric properties: DFT studies.