Tension loss analysis at the electrode interface of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)

This work presents a precise approach for calculating voltage losses at the interfaces of dye-sensitized solar cells. The model considers electron transfer at the TCO/TiO2 and electrolyte/counter-electrode interfaces, employing the Schottky barrier framework based on thermionic emission theory and the Nernst equation. The latter is used to estimate the concentration of the redox mediator near the counter-electrode surface, incorporating the effects of active layer porosity, which also influence light absorption and electron mobility. The results indicate that voltage losses at both interfaces become significant when the Schottky barrier height and active layer porosity exceed critical thresholds. These losses degrade the maximum power point but have minimal impact on the short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage.