Influence of Pectin‐Based Gel Polymer Electrolytes on Ionic Conductivity and Photovoltaic Performance of DSSCs

ABSTRACT In this study, Gel Polymer Electrolytes (GPEs) based on pectin were prepared using solution casting at different weight percentages (3–6 wt.%) to investigate their effect on the ionic conductivity and performance of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed a shift in pectin's O─H functional group, indicating the ion‐cation interactions between the Ionic‐Liquid and PEs, which promotes the flow of free ions through the electrolytes. The ionic conductivity GPE with the addition of 5 wt.% pectin exhibited an optimum value of 2.04 × 10 − 3 S cm − 1 , which corresponded to an achieved efficiency of 6.22%. These optimal values highlight the potential of these materials for advancing renewable energy technologies. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicate improved charge transport, further supporting the idea that this enhancement is driven by greater ionic conductivity and electron mobility through pathways formed by interactions between polymer‐bound ions and cations.