Title: Enhancing Efficiency of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells by Coinage Metal Doping of Cyanidin-Silver Trimer Hybrids at TiO2 Support Based on Theoretical Study
Authors: Margarita Bužančić Milosavljević, Martina Perić Bakulić, Željka Sanader Maršić, Antonija Mravak, Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký
DOI: 10.3390/nano14121034
Date: 2024-06-15
Working Group: WG3
Grant Period: GP2
Grant Period Goal (number): GAPG-2, GAPG-5
Covered deliverables from the MoU (number): 2.5.2, 2.6.3
Countries involved: Croatia
Number of female/young/ITC coauthors: 5
Is the publication open access?: Yes
Is the publication co-lead by a YRI?: Yes
Abstract: Identification of a natural-based sensitizer with optimal stability and efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application remains a challenging task. Previously, we proposed a new class of sensitizers based on bio-nano hybrids. These systems composed of natural cyanidin dyes interacting with silver nanoclusters (NCs) have demonstrated enhanced opto-electronic and photovoltaic properties. In this study, we explore the doping of silver nanocluster within a cyanidin-Ag3 hybrid employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) and its time-dependent counterpart (TDDFT). Specifically, we investigate the influence of coinage metal atoms (Au and Cu) on the properties of the cyanidin-Ag3 system. Our findings suggest that cyanidin-Ag2Au and cyanidin-AgAuCu emerge as the most promising candidates for improved light harvesting efficiency, increased two-photon absorption, and strong coupling to the TiO2 surface. These theoretical predictions suggest the viability of replacing larger silver NCs with heterometallic trimers such as Ag2Au or AgAuCu, presenting new avenues for utilizing bio-nano hybrids at the surface for DSSC application.
