Optimization of black dye-sensitized solar cells by numerical simulation

The numerical simulation of the physical parameters for dye sensitized solar cells with black dyes was considered based on a new optimizing procedure. The influence of thickness and lifetime on the J−V characteristics parameters was analyzed. In this way, Jsc (short-circuit current density), Voc (open circuit voltage), FF (fill factor), and η (efficiency) were determined. A comparison between the classical ruthenium based solar cells and black dyes ones was possible on the simulation and experimental approach. The obtained optimum values for thickness and lifetime, as well as the analysis of the main parameters of the J−V characteristics of black-dye solar cells, could be used to optimise the manufacturing process. The electron lifetime is in the range of 2–100 ms and has its optimal value of 15 ms. The suitable thickness of TiO2 layer was determined to be in the range of 8–20 μm with the optimal value of 10 μm, where Jsc and η reach their maxima.

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