Voltage- and Power-Conversion Performance of Bi-functional ZrO₂  : Er³⁺ / Yb³⁺ Assisted and Co-sensitized Dye...

Giant power conversion efficiency is achieved by using bifunction ZrO₂  : Er³⁺ /Yb³⁺ assisted co-sensitised dye-sensitized solar cells. The evolution of the crystalline structure and its microstructure are examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy studies. The bi-functional behaviour of ZrO₂  : Er³⁺ /Yb³⁺ as upconversion, light scattering is confirmed by emission and diffused reflectance studies. The bi-function ZrO₂  : Er³⁺ /Yb³⁺ (pH=3) assisted photoanode is co-sensitized by use of N719 dye, squaraine SPSQ2 dye and is sandwiched with Platinum based counter electrode. The fabricated DSSC exhibited a giant power conversion efficiency of 12.35 % with V_OC of 0.71 V, J_SC of 27.06 mA/cm² , FF of 0.63. The results, which motivated the development of a small DSSC module, gave 6.21 % and is used to drive a tiny electronic motor in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. Small-area DSSCs connected in series have found that a V_OC of 4.52 V is sufficient to power up Internet of Things (IoT) devices.