Numerical modeling of charge transfer and recombination kinetics in the dye-sensitized solar cell: Conceptual integration of optics, electricity, and electrochemistry

Nasim Dehghani, Ahmad Jamekhorshid, Tahmineh Jalali and Shahriar Osfouri

Renewable Energy, 2025, vol. 239, issue C

Abstract: Enhancing the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) requires thoroughly examining their operational dynamics. Modeling is a cost-effective and flexible method for in-depth analysis of various parameters to attain optimal cell conditions. This study aims to enhance the understanding of DSSC performance by integrating electrochemical, electrical, and optical aspects within the COMSOL Multiphysics software framework. This model combines the drift-diffusion model by simultaneously solving the Maxwell and Nernst-Planck equations, complemented by a nonlinear recombination model. Model validation is achieved by fine-tuning the recombination coefficients (Kr and β) and the ion transport parameter (α) to align with experimental data. Additionally, the study evaluates the impact of semiconductor porosity, electrolyte concentration, and FTO resistance on DSSC photovoltaic characteristics using the developed model. The optimal porosity at 0.4 exhibits a peak current density of 15.17 mAcm2 and an output power of 4.84 mwcm2. Moreover, the recombination current reaches its minimum value at this porosity, underscoring the significant role of this parameter in DSSC performance. Conversely, an increase in FTO layer resistance directly correlates with fill factor reduction while showing no significant effect on short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage. Furthermore, electrolyte concentration emerges as a critical determinant of current output, with 1.5 M being the optimal concentration for enhancing overall cell performance. However, concentrations exceeding 1.5 M led to a decline in current due to excess triiodide ions and increased charge recombination rates. Looking ahead, critical areas for future research in DSSCs encompass analyzing diverse cell parameters, utilizing advanced modeling techniques, exploring new materials for increased efficiency, and prioritizing sustainable manufacturing processes to reduce costs and enhance environmental impact.

Keywords: Charge transfer; Electrochemical modeling; DSSC; Non-linear recombination; COMSOL multiphysics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148124022183
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:239:y:2025:i:c:s0960148124022183

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.122150

Access Statistics for this article

Renewable Energy is currently edited by Soteris A. Kalogirou and Paul Christodoulides

More articles in Renewable Energy from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().