Computational study of the optical and photovoltaic properties of novel dyes for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

Abstract

In this work, we examine the performance of novel dyes as photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells. We use density functional theory calculations to explore the energy levels, absorption wavelengths, and photovoltaic characteristics of these dyes. The calculated energy levels show appropriate alignment with electron transport layers, guaranteeing efficient charge injection and reducing energy losses. These dyes also exhibit absorption wavelengths in the visible range, indicating that they are capable of efficiently harnessing solar energy. Analysis of their photovoltaic properties has demonstrated their potential in terms of the open circuit voltage. The dyes show favorable properties, making them potential candidates for efficient light absorption and electron transfer in dye-sensitized solar cells. These results underline the need to include them in future dye-sensitized solar cells research and provide interesting pointers for the design and optimization of efficient photosensitizers.