Enhanced photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells using innovative bithienylnicotinonitrile-based organic dyes

This exciting study introduces five cutting-edge bithienylnicotinonitrile-based organic dyes (coded GA-1-5 ) that were specifically synthesized for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). These dyes boast a D-π-A framework and were designed to manipulate spectral properties and energy levels. The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of their optical, electrochemical, photovoltaic , geometrical, and electronic characteristics using both experimental and theoretical methods. The dyes exhibited intense UV–vis absorption with high molar extinction coefficients , making them ideal co-sensitizers for ruthenium-based DSSCs. When tested, the co-sensitized devices demonstrated significantly improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) ranging from 6.22% to 9.12%, thanks to their enhanced short-circuit photocurrents ( J sc ), which surpassed those of DSSCs sensitized with N3 alone (PCE = 6.20%). Additionally, GA-1-5 compensated for the photocurrent loss caused by I − /I 3 in co-sensitization, further improving the J sc . We also carried out various spectral and electrochemical characterizations to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. These findings represent a significant advancement in the field of solar cell technology, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.