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Dye-sensitized nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS solar cells with different organic dyes

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Abstract

We have developed dye-sensitized nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS solar cells (DSSCs) based on crystal violet, methylene blue, and fluorescein photosensitizers. Nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS were synthesized by a green synthesis method using starch as the capping agent. Characterization of nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS was carried out by optical absorption and x-ray diffraction. The results indicate that CdS and ZnS prepared by this method may be used as photoelectodes in photo-electro-chemical energy conversion systems. DSSCs have been built and their photocurrent, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and efficiency have been measured under direct sunlight illumination (1000 Wcm-2). The efficiency of the cells made from dye-CdS was much higher than that of the cells made from dye-ZnS. This can be attributed to the particle size effect. Among the prepared dye-sensitized solar cells, a DSSC based on fluorescein dye as the photosensitizer produced the highest overall light solar energy to electricity conversion efficiency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

    Safenaz M. Reda

  2. National Institute of Laser, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

    Said A. El-Sherbieny

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  1. Safenaz M. Reda
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  2. Said A. El-Sherbieny
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Correspondence to Safenaz M. Reda.

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Reda, S.M., El-Sherbieny, S.A. Dye-sensitized nanocrystalline CdS and ZnS solar cells with different organic dyes. Journal of Materials Research 25, 522–528 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1557/JMR.2010.0077

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/JMR.2010.0077

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