Tin dioxide-based photoanodes integrated into the dye sensitized solar cells structure

This academic article investigates the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which are affected by various defects like charge recombination, high impedance, and low power conversion efficiency due to complex physicochemical phenomena. The study explores different materials and processes to enhance DSSC performance, with a focus on photoanode development. Tin dioxide, tin chloride II dihydrate, copper oxide, boric acid, and sodium phosphate are utilized to fabricate the photoanodes. A thermal treatment at 450°C for 30 minutes precedes dye assembly on the photoanode surface. Results show that the tin chloride II dihydrate-modified photoanode outperforms others, achieving higher open-circuit voltage (0.50V), current density (9.58 mAcm^-2), fill factor (0.37), and power conversion efficiency (1.77%). The study suggests that tin salt particles positively impact voltage, current, electron transport, and charge separation, enhancing overall cell performance. Charge recombination significantly affects power conversion efficiency and impedance, but accurately quantifying it remains challenging. Lower recombination levels favor efficiency, while higher levels reduce it. (author)