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<p>The performance of ZnO-based dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) remains significantly limited by poor dye uptake, dye aggregation, and rapid recombination. Here, we demonstrate a solvation-assisted strategy using dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) to regulate the nucleation, dispersion and surface chemistry of ZnO during co-precipitation. Three DBSA-functionalised ZnO photoanodes (DZO1, DZO2, DZO3) were synthesised by varying the thermal treatment (RT, 150&#xa0;°C, and 400&#xa0;°C). XRD confirmed the wurtzite ZnO phase, with crystallite size increasing from 18&#xa0;nm (DZO1) to 32&#xa0;nm (DZO3). FTIR verified DBSA anchoring via sulfonate–Zn interactions and the modulation of surface hydroxyl groups. Optical analysis revealed a direct band gap reduction from 3.20&#xa0;eV (DZO1) to 3.13&#xa0;eV (DZO3), consistent with thermally induced crystallite growth. Dye-sensitised films showed a controlled bathochromic shift (527–533&#xa0;nm) attributed to varying degrees of J-aggregation. DZO1 exhibited the lowest dye aggregation and moderate dye loading (0.86 nmol/mg), whereas DZO3 showed the highest dye loading (1.30 nmol/mg) but stronger aggregation. The DSSC device based on DZO1 delivered the highest experimental power conversion efficiency of 1.78%, with J<sub>sc</sub> = 4.30&#xa0;mA cm⁻² and FF = 0.714. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that DZO1 possessed the highest recombination resistance (R<sub>rec</sub> = 196 Ω) and superior charge collection efficiency, despite its shorter electron lifetime compared to DZO3. The improved photovoltaic behaviour of DZO1 is attributed to solvation-controlled micelle formation, reduced nanoparticle agglomeration, and improved dye distribution. This study establishes solvation-driven DBSA functionalization as an effective route for optimising ZnO photoanodes. It highlights the importance of controlled surface chemistry and dye aggregation in improving charge transport within quasi-solid-state DSSCs.</p>

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Unravelling solvation effects in DBSA-functionalised ZnO photoanodes for quasi-solid-state dye-sensitised solar cells

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月31日

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  • H. Sehina,
  • A. Seema,
  • P. Ram Kumar,
  • T. Ajith Bosco Raj

摘要

The performance of ZnO-based dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) remains significantly limited by poor dye uptake, dye aggregation, and rapid recombination. Here, we demonstrate a solvation-assisted strategy using dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) to regulate the nucleation, dispersion and surface chemistry of ZnO during co-precipitation. Three DBSA-functionalised ZnO photoanodes (DZO1, DZO2, DZO3) were synthesised by varying the thermal treatment (RT, 150 °C, and 400 °C). XRD confirmed the wurtzite ZnO phase, with crystallite size increasing from 18 nm (DZO1) to 32 nm (DZO3). FTIR verified DBSA anchoring via sulfonate–Zn interactions and the modulation of surface hydroxyl groups. Optical analysis revealed a direct band gap reduction from 3.20 eV (DZO1) to 3.13 eV (DZO3), consistent with thermally induced crystallite growth. Dye-sensitised films showed a controlled bathochromic shift (527–533 nm) attributed to varying degrees of J-aggregation. DZO1 exhibited the lowest dye aggregation and moderate dye loading (0.86 nmol/mg), whereas DZO3 showed the highest dye loading (1.30 nmol/mg) but stronger aggregation. The DSSC device based on DZO1 delivered the highest experimental power conversion efficiency of 1.78%, with Jsc = 4.30 mA cm⁻² and FF = 0.714. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that DZO1 possessed the highest recombination resistance (Rrec = 196 Ω) and superior charge collection efficiency, despite its shorter electron lifetime compared to DZO3. The improved photovoltaic behaviour of DZO1 is attributed to solvation-controlled micelle formation, reduced nanoparticle agglomeration, and improved dye distribution. This study establishes solvation-driven DBSA functionalization as an effective route for optimising ZnO photoanodes. It highlights the importance of controlled surface chemistry and dye aggregation in improving charge transport within quasi-solid-state DSSCs.