Title: Dye-sensitised solar cells with Z907 dye and eco-friendly eutectic electrolyte based on urea-acetamide mixture: photovoltaic performance comparison with popular ionic liquid electrolyte

Authors: Phuong Ha Thi Ngo; Tho Anh Ngoc Vo; De Nguyen; Hoang-Em Danh; My-Duyen Thi Duong; Thuy Thanh Doan Nguyen; Phuong Tuyet Nguyen

Addresses: Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science, University of Science, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract: Electrolytes play a crucial role in dye-sensitised solar cells' (DSCs) performance and long-term stability. To minimise the use of hazardous and volatile chemicals but still maintain good performance and stability of the devices, this study developed novel eco-friendly eutectic electrolytes using urea and acetamide as additives without adding any solvents. The DSCs devices with new eutectic electrolytes achieved higher photovoltaic performance than the most popular commercial ionic liquid electrolytes, yet at a significantly low-cost. For more details, the influence of eutectic components on the DSCs devices' performance was discussed by current-voltage curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results demonstrated the great commercial viability of eutectic electrolytes.

Keywords: DSCs; dye-sensitised solar cells; eutectic electrolytes; DES; deep eutectic solvent; urea; acetamide.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2024.146469

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2024 Vol.21 No.7/8/9/10/11/12, pp.650 - 666

Published online: 30 May 2025 *

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