Controlled reaction time of TiO₂ and cocktail co-sensitization for improved DSSC performance

Solar energy stands out as a promising alternative to traditional energy sources, with dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) proving to be a highly effective means of harnessing this renewable energy. However, recent studies highlight the efficacy of employing a photoanode with mixed phases of Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles in DSSCs. The conventional approach to preparing mixed-phase TiO₂ involves a time-consuming process with high-temperature annealing. In the present work, a novel microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of mixed-phase TiO₂, which significantly reduces the preparation time has been reported. Moreover, we have enhanced device performance by co-sensitizing carbon dots (CDs) with various natural dyes and synthetic dye. The device prepared using CDs co-sensitized with Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra exhibited comparable efficiency (3.66%) with that obtained for N719-sensitized DSSC (3.85%). Further improvement in efficiency (4.81%) was obtained on sensitizing CDs with N719 dye. The comprehensive analysis of device performance using these innovative methods represents a noteworthy advancement in the realm of solar energy harvesting, with unexplored possibilities that could shape the future of sustainable energy solutions.