Textile dyes as photo-sensitizer in the dye sensitized solar cells

Exploring the cost-effective alternative materials to replace the synthetic dyes for application in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) could help in reducing the overall cost of the devices. Herein, we investigate two cost-effective textile dyes, namely hot reactive dye and vat dye for application in the DSSC. Morphology, domain size, and crystalline phase of the TiO2 nanoparticles in dye loaded TiO2 films are examined in detail by FESEM and X-ray diffraction measurements. Modifications in the absorption spectra of dyes upon adsorption into TiO2 are investigated by UV–Vis analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis allows us to identify the various functional groups present in the dyes. By comparing the photovoltaic performance, we found that hot reactive dye based DSSC yield power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.20%, which is significantly higher than the vat dye based DSSC (0.51%). This is mainly due to superior short-circuit current density (Jsc) and open circuit voltage generated in the hot reactive dye relative to the vat dye based DSSC. The higher Jsc in the hot reactive dye-based device is mainly attributed to the favorable morphology, better crystallinity and superior absorption features of hot reactive dye coated TiO2 film. However, a slightly less fill factor is noticed for hot reactive dye-based devices owing to the lesser shunt resistance in comparison to the vat dye-based device. Although the PCE attained by these devices is far below that of standard DSSC, the present study can be helpful in the development of more eco-friendly and cost-effective solar cells. •Eco-friendly and low-cost textile dyes are used as photosensitizer in DSSCs.•Crystalline features of TiO2 are better in hot reactive dye loaded structure.•Hot reactive dye based DSSC yield best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.20%.•The superior PCE was due to the better light harvesting, and morphology.