Enhancing the Photoelectrochemical Performance of Ru(II)‐Sensitized Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Using Cyanopyridine‐Based Cosensitizers

The cosensitization approach is one of the widely adopted strategies for systematically enhancing photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by utilizing two or more dyes with distinct absorption spectra. This method achieves panchromatic absorption, improves intramolecular charge transfer performance, prevents dye aggregation, and increases dye loading capability. In this study, we investigated four previously reported push–pull‐type dianchored chromophores ( CP 1–4 ) featuring a cyanopyridine scaffold as cosensitizer to enhance the performance of Ru(II)‐based N3 ‐sensitized DSSCs. Both the co‐sensitized devices ( N3 + CP 1–4 ) and the N3 ‐only devices were fabricated using a fixed dye concentration of 0.2 mM for each sensitizer/cosensitizers, while the coadsorbent chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was systematically varied between 0 and 20 mM. This systematic variation of CDCA concentration was designed to examine its role in suppressing dye aggregation and modulating interfacial charge dynamics. Among the Series, CP 4 , carrying a thiobarbituric acid anchoring/acceptor group, demonstrated superior performance at all CDCA concentrations, achieving power conversion efficiency of 6.67%, 6.79%, and 5.74%, compared to 6.02%, 6.10%, and 5.44% for devices sensitized with N3 alone. Further, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements confirmed the improved charge transport and reduced recombination in these devices. These findings highlight the potential of rationally engineered cosensitizers and optimized coadsorbent concentrations for enhancing the performance of metal‐based sensitizers in DSSCs.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Energy Technology
Published
2025-09-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ente.202500294
Citations
4
Primary Topic
TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.45
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Enhancing the Photoelectrochemical Performance of Ru(II)‐Sensitized Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Using Cyanopyridine‐Based Cosensitizers

Airody Vasudeva Adhikari, Kavya S. Keremane, Islam M. Abdellah, Praveen Naik et al.
4 citations
Energy Technology
TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells
1.45
article

Enhancing the Photoelectrochemical Performance of Ru(II)‐Sensitized Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Using Cyanopyridine‐Based Cosensitizers

Airody Vasudeva Adhikari, Kavya S. Keremane, Islam M. Abdellah, Praveen Naik, Muhammad Abdel‐Shakour
article en
4 citations

Abstract

The cosensitization approach is one of the widely adopted strategies for systematically enhancing photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by utilizing two or more dyes with distinct absorption spectra. This method achieves panchromatic absorption, improves intramolecular charge transfer performance, prevents dye aggregation, and increases dye loading capability. In this study, we investigated four previously reported push–pull‐type dianchored chromophores ( CP 1–4 ) featuring a cyanopyridine scaffold as cosensitizer to enhance the performance of Ru(II)‐based N3 ‐sensitized DSSCs. Both the co‐sensitized devices ( N3 + CP 1–4 ) and the N3 ‐only devices were fabricated using a fixed dye concentration of 0.2 mM for each sensitizer/cosensitizers, while the coadsorbent chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was systematically varied between 0 and 20 mM. This systematic variation of CDCA concentration was designed to examine its role in suppressing dye aggregation and modulating interfacial charge dynamics. Among the Series, CP 4 , carrying a thiobarbituric acid anchoring/acceptor group, demonstrated superior performance at all CDCA concentrations, achieving power conversion efficiency of 6.67%, 6.79%, and 5.74%, compared to 6.02%, 6.10%, and 5.44% for devices sensitized with N3 alone. Further, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements confirmed the improved charge transport and reduced recombination in these devices. These findings highlight the potential of rationally engineered cosensitizers and optimized coadsorbent concentrations for enhancing the performance of metal‐based sensitizers in DSSCs.

Energy TechnologyVol. 13(12)
National Institute of Technology Karnataka (IN), Pennsylvania State University (US), Nitte University (IN), Yenepoya University (IN), Aswan University (EG), Assiut University (EG)
Openalex Percentile: Top 17%
TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells
1.45
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.