Synergistic effect of Zn- anthocyanin organic dye molecules sensitizer for DSSCs / Wan Akmal Feisal Wan Aizal Rashidin

Dye-sensitized solar cells are attracting considerable attention for their capacity to convert sunlight into power. They do this by employing dye molecules to absorb light and linking them to distinctive materials referred to as wide-bandgap semiconductors. To solve this problem, in addressing the critical issue of poor dye attachment to the semiconductor surface, which negatively impacts both functionality and stability. This work investigated Zn (SO4)-hydrate as a prospective additional dye for the treatment of dyes utilised in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The research investigated the properties of the anthocyanin-based dye molecule sensitiser sourced from blackberry (R. fructus) with different concentrations of ZnSO4 additive (Zn-Ant dye molecules) that resulted in the optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE). The FESEM, EDS, FTIR, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, I-V, and IPCE analyses were performed to investigate the DSSC cells and their constituents for diverse features, encompassing structure, chemistry, and electrical characteristics. The results revealed that the 0.8-Zn-Ant cell achieved the best photovoltaic efficiency of approximately 0.58%, whereas the untreated 0-Zn-Ant cell exhibited a significantly lower efficiency of 0.13%. The solar efficiency of the 0.8-Zn-Ant cells is superior to that of the other Zn-treated cells analysed in this work. The incorporation of ZnSO4 can substantially enhance photovoltaics by elevating the sensitiser pH via protonation. This technique enhances anthocyanin photocatalytic activity and conductivity, while simultaneously reducing interfacial resistance. Consequently, electron transport is augmented, recombination losses are reduced, and solar absorption is optimised, facilitating more efficient use of photon energy.