Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arup Mahapatra, Prashant Kumar, Anil Kumar Behera, Anik Sen, Basudev Pradhan
Summary: In this study, natural dyes were extracted from inedible plant sources and their efficiency as dye sensitizers for solar cells was compared. The results showed that the kumkum dye performed the best while the malabar spinach dye performed the worst. These natural extracts are bio-compatible and cost-effective.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jacqueline M. Cole, Ulrich F. J. Mayer
Summary: This feature article discusses the fundamental use of materials-characterization methods in determining the structural information of the dye-TiO2 interface in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). It introduces various techniques for obtaining specific structural information on the interface, such as dye anchoring, dye aggregation, and molecular dye orientation. The article emphasizes the importance of acquiring such information for DSC design guidelines and the validation process of design-to-device pipelines.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Isabel Menendez, Nicolas Montenegro-Pohlhammer, Ricardo Pino-Rios, Rodrigo Urzua-Leiva, Simone Morales-Lovera, Merlys Borges-Martinez, Kevin Granados-Tavera, Ramon Lopez, Gloria Cardenas-Jiron
Summary: The photophysical, photovoltaic, and charge transport properties of fused core-modified expanded porphyrins were investigated using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory. The compounds showed absorption in the range of 700-970 nm for their Q bands and 500-645 nm for their Soret bands. The presence of thiophene rings in the macrocycle led to a bathochromic shift in the absorption wavelength, resulting in near-infrared absorptions. The charge transport study showed that pentaphyrin 1 and octaphyrin 4 were more conductive than hexaphyrin 2 or heptaphyrin 3.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arup Mahapatra, Prashant Kumar, Jyoti Bhansare, Sri Madhavi Surapaneni, Anik Sen, Basudev Pradhan
Summary: Natural dye extracted from the pericarp of Mallotus phillipensis fruit has been used as a photosensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells. Density Functional calculations on the natural dye rottlerin showed high electron injection efficiency. The best performing device achieved a power conversion efficiency of 0.55%, demonstrating the potential of this non-toxic, biodegradable natural dye as a cost-effective alternative to synthetic dyes for solar cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Raquel Royo, Amelia Dominguez-Celorrio, Santiago Franco, Raquel Andreu, Jesus Orduna
Summary: The synthesis and photovoltaic study of five dyes based on 4H-pyranylidene moiety as donor moiety is reported. Their electrochemical and optical properties are analyzed by using a joint experimental and theoretical approach. The presence of the trifluoromethyl group leads to an enhancement of the molar extinction coefficient.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chundan Lin, Yanbing Liu, Di Shao, Guochen Wang, Huiying Xu, Changjin Shao, Wansong Zhang, Zhenqing Yang
Summary: A series of double donor organic dyes, ME101-ME106, designed in this work based on experimentally synthesized dye WD8, show higher stability and electron performance than the single donor dye. Among them, ME106 exhibits potential application value with a smaller energy gap and significant redshift compared to WD8. Results suggest that double donor dyes have stronger electron transfer capability, offering new insights for the design of high efficiency dye-sensitized devices.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Anik Sen, Miftahussurur Hamidi Putra, Abul Kalam Biswas, Anil Kumar Behera, Axel Gross
Summary: In this review, the focus is on renewable sources of energy with an emphasis on solar cell applications. Specifically, the possible future directions for the development of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are discussed. DSSCs have gained significant research attention due to their importance in energy conversion. The review discusses the use of metal dye sensitizers, metal-free organic dyes, and natural dyes in DSSCs, highlighting their low cost, simplicity of preparation, low toxicity, and ease of production. Computational studies are also reviewed, emphasizing their contribution to the development of new dye sensitizers. The article presents a conceptual understanding of the development and working principle of photoactive DSSC materials, along with examples of studies on different dye sensitizers using both scarce to abundant metal-based dyes and metal-free organic dyes for n-type and p-type DSSCs. The choice of organic dyes, including donor, spacer, or acceptor, is discussed, and the potential of dual donor-based dyes is presented.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Sarawut Tontapha, Pikaned Uppachai, Vittaya Amornkitbamrung
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising type of photovoltaic cell due to their low cost, environmental friendliness, and versatility in various applications, especially in shaded and low-light conditions. Research is focused on developing organic, inorganic, metal oxide, composite, and carbon-based materials to improve the efficiency of DSSCs, as well as exploring simple, low-cost fabrication processes using natural products for large-scale production.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
S. Bera, D. Sengupta, S. Roy, K. Mukherjee
Summary: The industrial revolution in the early 1800s was powered by fossil fuels, but as environmental issues became more prominent, countries started reducing emissions and moving towards carbon neutrality. India has made significant progress in renewable energy, particularly in solar research and development, focusing on exploring new-generation photovoltaic devices like DSSCs. Studies in India have been emphasizing the investigation of different photoactive dyes as alternatives to traditional organometallic dyes like N3 and N719.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Iulia Pausescu, Anamaria Todea, Diana-Maria Dreava, Tania Boboescu, Bianca Patcan, Larisa Patcan, Daiana Albulescu, Valentin Badea, Francisc Peter, Robert Totos, Daniel Ursu, Lorant Szolga, Mihai Medeleanu
Summary: This study investigated the synthesis and application of six new bio-inspired flavylium salts in dye-sensitized solar cells using computational and experimental methods. The results showed that the structural and electronic properties of the dyes influenced their photovoltaic performances, and the quinoidal base forms exhibited better performance in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Afsaneh Farokhi, Hashem Shahroosvand, Fatemeh Zisti, Melanie Pilkington, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
Summary: This comprehensive review focuses on the application of triphenylamines (TPAs), a prominent class of organic molecules, in dye-sensitized/organic solar cells. By exploring synthesis strategies for TPA derivatives, researchers have successfully improved the power conversion efficiencies of the cells and provided strong support for future commercial applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
G. Arthi, Rajiv Selvam, C. Muthamizhchelvan, Y. Hayakawa, Sankar Ganesh Ramaraj
Summary: The efficiency of DSSCs can be improved by using one-dimensional TiO2 nanostructured thin film photoanode materials. In this study, a 1D thorn-like nanostructure was synthesized as a photoanode in the DSSCs using the hydrothermal method. The influence of reaction time on the morphological, structural, and optical properties of the TiO2 nanostructures was investigated.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Anil Reddy Marri, Heather Flint, Elizabeth A. Gibson, John Fielden
Summary: Three new thiophenyl bridged triarylamine-donor based dyes with pyridyl anchoring groups and indolium acceptors have been synthesized and studied. Phenylpyridyl anchored bis-indolium showed the best performance.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yongjie Ding, Jianhua Li, Shuaishuai Liu, Yanfang Tan, Kaihang Shi, Yunfei Jiao, Baoxiu Mi, Wenjuan Xu, Zhiqiang Gao
Summary: Two new phenothiazine dyes CBPTZ-BTD1 and CBPTZ-BTD2 were designed and synthesized in this work, with CBPTZ-BTD2 showing higher dye loading and strengthened ICT effect compared to CBPTZ-BTD1, resulting in better photovoltaic performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Margarita Buzancic Milosavljevic, Antonija Mravak, Martina Peric Bakulic, Vlasta Bonacic-Koutecky
Summary: In this study, the structural, optical, and photovoltaic properties of novel bio-nano hybrids (dye-nanocluster), along with a TiO2 surface model, are investigated for their application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Specifically, a group of anthocyanidin dyes covalently bound to silver nanoclusters (NCs) with even or odd number of valence electrons were studied. The results show that the nanoclusters with an even number of valence electrons exhibit better acceptor properties in the hybrids. Additionally, the interaction between the bio-nano (dye-NC) hybrid and the TiO2 surface model was studied in terms of near-infrared absorption and charge separation. Overall, this theoretical study provides insights for the design of novel DSSCs based on bio-nano hybrids at the TiO2 surface.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Umer Mehmood, Abdulrehman Ishfaq, Muhammad Sufyan
Summary: The study aims to replace expensive and rare platinum with conventional materials for DSSCs. Nanocomposites of MWCNTs and TiO2 can improve the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs, with the concentration of MWCNTs playing a significant role in optimizing efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Umer Mehmood, Asad Aslam, Muhammad Hamza Arshad, Abdulrehman Ishfaq, Junaid Zaheer
Summary: This article explores the synthesis of polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) and the impact of their composition on the efficiency of DSSCs, finding that PGEs containing mixed salt (KI + NH4I) exhibit higher conductivity and power conversion efficiency.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yasir Qayyum Gill, Syed Muhammad Hassan Mehdi, Umer Mehmood
Summary: The study investigated the incorporation of EcovioTM in XNBR and characterized the blends in terms of mechanical, thermal, solution thermodynamics, chemical, and morphological properties. The results showed that the addition of EcovioTM significantly enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the blends, making them more commercially acceptable.
Article
Polymer Science
Yasir Qayyum Gill, Hira Ehsan, Umer Mehmood, Muhammad Shafiq Irfan, Farhan Saeed
Summary: In this study, nano-silanized silica-filled crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) nanocomposites were prepared using a novel melt blending technique. The effects of nano-silanized silica on the properties of XLPE nanocomposites, including crosslinking, UV degradation behavior, thermal behavior, flammability, and morphology, were investigated. The results showed that the addition of nano-silanized silica improved the performance of XLPE composites.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marriyam Sultana, Umer Mehmood, Rabia Nazar, Yasir Qayyum Gill
Summary: The research aims to develop stable dye-sensitized solar cells for powering IoT devices. The study investigates the effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline nanocomposites on the ionic conductivity of electrolytes and the photovoltaic performance of solar cells. The optimized quasi-solid-state electrolyte with 4% MWCNTs/PANI and 0.5 g salt concentration exhibits a maximum efficiency of 2.7%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Rabia Nazar, Asif Ali Qaiser, Umer Mehmood, Muhammad Shafiq Irfan, Samrina Sharif
Summary: In this study, elastomeric composites based on EPDM filled with PANI doped with dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid were prepared by in situ polymerization. The thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the resulting blend were investigated, and the interaction between the blend components was analyzed. The results showed that the conductivity and concentration of PANI play a significant role in determining the electrical and mechanical properties of the final product.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yasir Qayyum Gill, Mudasar Khurshid, Umer Mehmood, Muhammad Shafiq Irfan, Farhan Saeed
Summary: This study successfully upscaled the recycling of PP nonwoven fabric scrap generated during medical-grade disposable gown manufacturing through a two-step melt blending process. The results showed that most properties of the PP nanocomposite are maximized at a CB loading of 0.5 wt%.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zainab Kaleem, Umer Mehmood, Zain-Ul-Abidin, Rabia Nazar, Yasir Qayyum Gill
Summary: The study focuses on fabricating stable dye-sensitized solar cells and modules for internet of things applications. The use of polymer gel electrolytes addresses the stability issue, and the conductivity of the electrolytes affects the photovoltaic performance of the cells.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Irfan Mahmood Khan, Rabia Nazar, Umer Mehmood
Summary: This study aimed to fabricate Platinum-free counter electrode materials for energy conversion devices using PPY and PPY/graphene composites. The DSSCs with PPY/4% graphene CE showed the highest efficiency (3.06%).
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ijaz Hussain, Gazali Tanimu, Shakeel Ahmed, Chennampilly Ummer Aniz, Hassan Alasiri, Khalid Alhooshani
Summary: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is recognized as a crucial greenhouse gas and key driver of climate change. Methanation, the conversion of CO2 to methane using renewable hydrogen, offers a promising approach to achieve net-zero atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, the development of effective catalytic systems remains a significant challenge for CO2 methanation. This review examines various characterization techniques for measuring oxygen vacancies (OVs) and discusses the role of OVs in CeO2-based catalysts as well as strategies to increase their numbers. The findings of this study can inspire scientists to improve catalytic CO2 methanation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yasir Qayyum Gill, Muhammad Haroon Shoukat, Falak Babar, Umer Mehmood, Umer Abid
Summary: This research investigated the performance of different composition pattern wax blends under microwave processing. The addition of polyaniline as a microwave susceptor improved the processing properties and melting behavior of the pattern wax blends. The research results can guide the improvement of production efficiency in wax pattern casting.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zumar Ahmad, Esha Farooq, Rabia Nazar, Umer Mehmood, Imran Fareed
Summary: In this study, nanocomposites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and polythiophene were synthesized using in-situ polymerization. The amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the composites was found to affect the effectiveness of solar devices, with the 30% MWCNTs/PTh cell exhibiting the highest performance.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sadia Yasmeen, Yasir Qayyum Gill, Rabia Nazar, Umer Mehmood, Faisal Iqbal, Hooriya Qaswar, Zeeshan Ahmed
Summary: Conductive polymer blend gel electrolytes improve the stability of dyesensitized solar cells by reducing leakage and enhancing electrode adhesion. In this study, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyaniline (PANI) blends were synthesized through in-situ polymerization and characterized using various methods. The optimal composition of the electrolyte solution was selected, and the conductivity was found to be influenced by salt concentration. Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells with gel electrolytes exhibited better long-term stability compared to conventional cells.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abdullah Bafaqeer, Muhammad Tahir, Nor Aishah Saidina Amin, Aniz Chennampilly Ummer, Hammam Abdurabu Thabit, Duraisami Dhamodharan, Shakeel Ahmed, Naveen Kumar
Summary: The photocatalytic conversion of CO2 with H2O over rGO-bridged g-C3N4/ZnV2O6 S-scheme heterojunction using an externally reflected photoreactor has been investigated. The 4% rGO-bridged g-C3N4/ZnV2O6 (1:1) nanocomposite showed the highest CH3OH yield and improved quantum efficiency in the externally reflected photoreactor. However, its stability decreased after several cyclic runs.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Falak Babar, Umer Mehmood, Rabia Nazar, Yasir Qayyum Gill, Hamza Khalid, Noor ul Huda, Zaira Fatima
Summary: In this study, one-dimensional TiO2 nanotubes were successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method and used as photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. The DSSC with TNTs-based photoanode exhibited higher efficiency compared to the device based on TiO2 nanoparticles.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)