Improvement of dye-sensitized solar cells' performance via co-sensitization of new azo thiazole organic dyes with ruthenium (II) based N-719 dye

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jscs.2023.101643
• Publication Date: 2023-04-14T08:47:25Z
• Authors: Salhah D. Al-Qahtani; Rua B. Alnoman; Nada M. Alatawi; Kholood M. Alkhamis; Abrar Bayazeed; Amerah Alsoliemy; Nashwa M. El-Metwaly
• Keywords: Photocurrent; Thiazole; Open-circuit voltage

Three novel azo thiazole organic dyes, NA-1–3, have been synthesized and utilized as co-sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). These were designed with a ring π-bridge that mediates between the diazo (–N = N–) functional group carboxylic acid anchoring unit. They possess rod-like molecular structure exhibit strong UV–vis absorption near 600 nm. Co-sensitization studies also conducted ruthenium complex N719. The co-sensitized DSSCs showed enhanced short-circuit open-circuit photocurrents (Jsc) voltages (Voc), resulting more efficient photovoltaic performance compared to N719 (PCE 7.25%). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) incident photon current efficiency (IPCE) employed investigate underlying reasons for these improvements. It was found co-sensitization effectively reduced electron recombination, higher Voc without compromising photocurrent loss.