Investigation of photovoltaic properties of dye-sensitized solar cells based on azo dyes contain various anchoring groups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the substituent effect in dye-sensitized solar cells’ (DSSCs) performance. For this end, three new metal organic dyes with DPA structure were synthesized. For investigation of the substituent effect, two different anchoring groups, namely, 1,3-dioxo-1Hbenz[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)benzenesulfonamides and 1,8-naphthalimide, were used. Design/methodology/approach Three organic dyes based on azo were selected, which contain various electron donor groups. Absorption properties of purified dyes were studied in solution and on photoelectrode (TiO2 and ZnO) substrate. DSSCs were prepared to determine the photovoltaic performance of each photosensitizer. Findings The results showed that all organic dyes form J-aggregation on the photoanode substrate. Cyclic voltammetry results for all organic dyes ensured an energetically permissible and thermodynamically favorable charge transfer throughout the continuous cycle of photo-electric conversion. The results illustrate conversion efficiencies of cells based on solution Dyes 1, 2 and 3 and TiO2 as 3.44, 4.71 and 4.82 per cent, respectively. The conversion efficiencies of cells based on solution Dye 1, 2 and 3 and ZnO are 3.21, 4.09 and 4.14 per cent, respectively. Practical implications In this study, the development of effect of assembling materials, offering improved photovoltaic properties. Social implications Organic dye attracts more and more attention because of its low-cost, facile route synthesis and less-hazardous properties. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the effect of anchoring agent and nanostructure on DSSCs performance was investigated for the first time.