Unveiling the Synergistic Effects of Novel β-Cyclodextrin Co-sensitizers on Anthrone-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) with Microstructural Modifications

Abstract Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer an intriguing alternative to traditional solar cell technologies, particularly for applications where flexibility, transparency, and cost-effectiveness are paramount. In this regard, this study aims to address their limitations and further enhance their performance for wider adoption in renewable energy systems. Therefore, for the first time, innovative low-cost, platinum-free counter electrodes (CEs) of anthrone-based composites, involving 2chloroaniline@β-CD, 2amino Salicylic acid@β-CD, 2-nitroaniline@β-CD, or 4-nitroaniline@β-CD, to enhance the efficiency of DSSCs. Physical observations of microstructure, 1 HNMR, morphology, melting point, electrical, optical characteristics, along with photocurrent density–photovoltage (J–V) characteristic measurements were conducted on these components in the DSSCs structure. In the meantime, the blended anthrone chain system’s energy levels were optimized by including β-CD with these matrixes, revealing improved PV performance compared to DSSCs with a pristine anthrone. Out of each of the developed DSSCs, the one constructed with co-sensitizers that included 2chloroaniline@β-CD exhibited the highest efficacy. UV absorption spectra shifts, optimized band gap (i.e., 2.59 eV), rapid variations in surface roughness, and the general pattern of grain size variation in relevant SEM images are all in line with DSSC gains, as is their reliance on dye absorption behaviours over several optical layers. Once β-CD was added to the Anthrone@2chloroaniline composite, the DSSC performance significantly improved, with the power conversion efficiency increasing from 2.65 to 4.12%, the charge transfer resistance (R ct ) decreasing from 30.26 Ω to 27.81 Ω, and the short-circuit current density (J sc ) rising from 9.63 to 12.41 mA/cm 2 , confirming that β-CD enhances electron transfer and reduces interfacial recombination. The recorded variations in cell features such as J sc levels, including diverse co-sensitizers, may be assigned to the first stage of the photogenerated carrier in terms of the light-harvesting ability of dye-anchored photo-layers along with charge transportation yield. Blending with β-CD improved charge carrier mobility and suppressed recombination in anthrone hybrids by facilitating efficient charge separation, leading to longer carrier lifetimes, reduced resistive losses, and enhanced DSSC performance—supporting the development of more resilient and sustainable energy technologies.