This paper reports a synthesis of hierarchical polyaniline (PANi)-carbon nanotube (CNT) composites, produced by a rapid microwave-assisted synthesis method as effective platinum-free counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The composites were deposited directly on conductive glass substrates by maximizing the polymerization time (60 s) and CNT content (2–4 wt

Interfacial recombination and limited ionic mobility remain major bottlenecks in advancing dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performance. In this work, we develop a dual-material strategy that simultaneously enhances electronic and ionic transport by integrating a microwave-synthesized polythiophene-fullerene (PTh-C60) nano-composite counter electrode with a binary-cation ionic liquid polymer gel electrolyte (ILPGE). The optimized PTh-C60 electrode exhibits a markedly improved electrical conductivity of 83.15 S cm-1 , as confirmed by four-point probe analysis, supported by structural and morphological evidence from XRD and SEM. The ILPGE, formulated using LiI and TPAI within a polyacrylonitrile matrix and supplemented with an imidazolium-based ionic liquid, demonstrates a maximum ionic conductivity of 2.02 x 10-2 mS cm-1 and stable, reversible redox behavior over a wide electrochemical window (-1.5 V to +1.5 V). Molecular dynamics simulations reveal significantly enhanced ion diffusion in the dual-cation gel, while DFT calculations confirm favorable PTh-C60 interaction energies that support efficient electrocatalytic interfaces. When integrated into a quasi-solid-state DSSC, the optimized materials deliver a power conversion efficiency of 7.87 %, surpassing the standard Pt-based device (7.45 %). Notably, the quasi-solid-state cell exhibits excellent long-term durability, retaining its performance beyond 25 days, whereas the standard device undergoes rapid degradation. This combined materials design offers a scalable and stable pathway for improving charge transport, interfacial kinetics, and operational lifetime in next-generation quasi-solid-state DSSCs.

Achieving environmentally sustainable power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) requires concurrent optimization of both the photoanode and the electrolyte. In this study, a dual-strategy approach is adopted: (i) engineering an interdigitated nanostructured TiO2 photo-anode to enhance light harvesting and charge transport, and (ii) developing a sustainable poly(ethylene oxide)-polyacrylonitrile (PEO-PAN) polymer blend gel electrolyte (PBGE) to ensure eco-friendly, stable, and efficient energy conversion. The TiO2 photoanode was synthesized via a solvothermal process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), & transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealing anatase crystallinity, porous morphology, and improved electron pathways. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the miscibility, cohesive energy density, and Flory-Huggin's interaction parameter of the PEO-PAN system, confirming thermodynamic compatibility and guiding blend selection. Experimental confirmation was carried out by synthesizing various PEO-PAN ratios and their characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) & X-ray diffraction (XRD), which determined 40:60 PAN-PEO blend as being best with amorphous nature and homogeneous morphology. The composition of PBGE was then optimized by using Taguchi design of experiments (DoE) and salt optimization with a goal, achieving the highest ionic conductivity of 0.501 mS/cm. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) & cyclic voltammetry (CV) validated improved ionic mobility and redox reversibility. When incorporated into DSSCs, the optimized PBGE and TiO2 photoanode exhibited a PCE of 6.13 %, beating the conventional liquid electrolyte cell (5.38 %), TiO2-only cell (5.94 %), and PBGE-only cell (4.39 %). This material design strategy provides a scalable route to high-efficiency quasi-solid-state DSSCs with enhanced long-term stability.

The rational design of photosensitized solar cell (DSSCs) which is sensitive to improving the absorption of light, to transport the charges, and the stability of the structure is a key determinant to the development of the cell. This work describes the solvothermal synthesis of hierarchically interdigitated TiO2 nanorod photoanodes with customized nanotopology, which are fabricated to maximize the movement of electrons and the ability to collect photons. The interdigitated architecture promotes directional charge transport, minimizes recombination losses, and significantly expands the active surface area for dye adsorption. XRD confirms the formation of nanorods with optimal crystallite size (similar to 36.7 nm), reduced lattice strain, and favorable oxygen vacancy concentrations. SEM analysis revealed vertically aligned nanorods with uniform dispersion and optimal inter-rod spacing, facilitating efficient electrolyte penetration. TEM characterization further confirmed high aspect ratio (approximate to 10:1), defect-free lattice fringes, and single-crystalline nature of the nanorods. XPS deconvolution indicated the presence of Ti3+ species and controlled oxygen vacancies, contributing to improved electronic conductivity and dye anchoring. Upon integration into DSSC devices, the solvothermally derived TiO2 photoanodes yielded a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.90%, representing a 20.6% enhancement over standard cells. The improvement is attributed to enhanced short-circuit current density (20.37 mA/cm(2)), minimized series resistance (67.8 Omega), and optimized interfacial charge transfer resistance (147.2 Omega). These findings establish a direct structure-property-performance relationship, demonstrating that morphology-guided, defect-engineered TiO2 architectures enable synergistic improvements in both photophysical and electrochemical behavior, providing a scalable platform for developing next-generation DSSCs with superior performance and stability.

Intrinsically Conductive Polymers (ICPs) have emerged as transformative materials in the field of energy conversion and storage, offering a unique combination of tuneable optoelectronic properties, mechanical flexibility, and processability. This comprehensive review critically examines the synthesis strategies, charge transport mechanisms, and structural versatility of ICPs, emphasizing their pivotal role in advancing thin-film solar cells and energy storage technologies. In photovoltaics, ICPs have demonstrated remarkable enhancements across various architectures—including organic photovoltaics and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) achieving efficiency gains of up to 20 % and manufacturing cost reductions exceeding 30%. In the domain of energy storage, their integration into supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries has resulted in substantial improvements in specific capacity (up to 50%), charge–discharge rates (up to 40%), and cycling stability (with longevity gains of 60% over conventional materials). The review also highlights recent innovations in multifunctional ICP-based composites tailored for next-generation flexible and wearable devices, aligning with the global shift toward sustainable and adaptable energy systems. By bridging the gap between fundamental materials research and device-level performance, this review underscores the critical importance of ICPs in shaping the future of clean, efficient, and resilient energy technologies.

A rapid, eco-friendly microwave-assisted synthesis was developed for Zn-based nanostructured photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), ensuring sustainability and scalability. This green approach eliminated hazardous solvents and energy-intensive steps while achieving precise morphological control for enhanced dye adsorption, charge transport, and stability. SEM and XRD characterizations confirmed well-defined ZnO nano-structures with favorable optical and electronic properties. The ZnO-based DSSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency of 4.78%, comparable to TiO2-based counterparts (4.90%), with superior operational stability. This study presents a scalable, sustainable route for high-performance ZnO-based DSSCs, advancing next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

This study investigated the potential of polymer gel electrolytes (PGE) as a replacement for conventional liquid electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to enhance efficiency, stability, and long-term performance. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was utilized as the base polymer to improve the mechanical integrity of the gel electrolyte, while ammonium iodide salt was incorporated to enhance ionic conductivity. A comprehensive set of characterization techniques was employed: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided detailed analysis of the surface morphology and uniformity of the electrolyte, X-ray diffraction (XRD) examined the crystalline structure and phase composition, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) evaluated the thermal stability, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) quantified the ionic conductivity. The results demonstrated that salt concentration significantly affected ionic conductivity, which in turn impacted the electrochemical performance of the DSSC. The optimized PGE achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 4.68%, with improved long-term stability compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, which exhibited an efficiency of 6.03%. However, the longevity of traditional liquid electrolyte-based DSSCs was significantly lower compared to PGE-based DSSCs. This work establishes PMMA-based PGEs as a viable alternative to liquid electrolytes, offering superior ionic conductivity, enhanced DSSC performance, greater durability, and extended longevity, positioning them for advanced renewable energy applications.

Efficient solar energy harvesting is significantly hindered by dust accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) panel surfaces, leading to reduced transmittance and overall performance. To mitigate this issue, a multifunctional polymer-based coating was developed with superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, and antistatic properties. The formulation, comprising 1 % polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), 40 % hydrophobic silica (SiO2), and 4 % tin oxide (SnO2), was applied via spray-coating and thermally annealed at 250 degrees C to generate a durable hierarchical surface. The optimized coating achieved a water contact angle of 165 degrees, sliding angle of 4.1 degrees, and contact angle hysteresis of 5.7 degrees, consistent with Cassie-Baxter wetting behavior. SEM and AFM analyses confirmed dual-scale roughness, with a quantified average roughness (Ra) of 0.319 mu m supporting theoretical predictions. SnO2 enhanced surface conductivity, reducing static charge accumulation and dust attraction. Durability was verified through peel tests showing minimal reduction in hydrophobicity, while UV resistance was confirmed via FTIR after 18 days of exposure. Coating application on silicon solar cells resulted in a slight improvement in shortcircuit current and fill factor, with no loss in voltage or overall efficiency. These results confirm the coating's potential for scalable integration into PV systems, offering improved outdoor performance and reduced maintenance demands.

This study focuses on enhancing the electrochemical stability and photovoltaic performance of quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) through the development of high-performance polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs). The optimized PGE formulation was designed to improve ionic conductivity, structural integrity, and charge transport dynamics. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed a well-defined porous morphology favorable for efficient ion diffusion, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed molecular compatibility. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated the thermal stability of the electrolyte. The DSSC fabricated with the optimized PGE exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.55

The molecular thermodynamic processes of polymer blend that are essentially significant in material design and preparation with properties under control. In this article, a predictive simulation method is developed based on high level parameterisation of the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (chi) and mixing energy (Emix), which can be used to predict compatibility in polymer blends. The previous four polymers (poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF, poly(ethylene oxide) PEO, poly(acrylonitrile) PAN and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) PVP), tested in preparation of six blends were worked on and examined at 298 K by atomistic as well as molecular dynamics simulations from Materials Studio software. The PVDF-PAN and PVDF-PVP blends disclosed substantial phase separation in the direction of incompatibility, whereas PEO-PAN blend exhibited superior compatibility with low chi values for Emix. PEO-PVP was moderately compatible, while PVDF-PEO was partially miscible. Excellent agreement between the structure's calibration and experimental data ensures its predictive and usefulness. By predicting the miscibility of polymer blends computationally, this work eliminates the need for time-consuming experiments and enables the rapid development of new blends with the best qualities for industrial uses.

In this study, graphene oxide was obtained from graphite electrodes of waste dry cell batteries and characterized via SEM, XRD, and four-probe conductivity analyses. The composite was made by mixing graphene oxide with polyvinylpyrrolidone and applied to a conductive glass substrate to produce the counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. Current-voltage characteristics were used to evaluate the resulting cells. The results showed that the concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the paste significantly affected the photovoltaic performance of cells. Under optimal conditions, the cell with a counter electrode containing 75% graphene oxide achieved 2.1468% efficiency, surpassing those with platinum-based DSSCs.

The understanding of molecular interactions and charge delocalization mechanisms under polythiophene system environments is essential to improving their catalytic function in energy and electronic capacities. In this study a more holistic computational research approach is used to assess the conformational dynamics and interfacial compatibility of polythiophene with different carbon nanomaterials: graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerene (C60), and carbon nanoparticles. Interaction energies (Eint) and structural conformations were evaluated using quantum mechanical density functional theory (DFT) and reactive force field (ReaxFF) simulations in Materials Studio to further rationalize electronic coupling and charge delocalization. Polythiophene-graphene interface exhibited a highly favorable interaction energy (-205.94 kJ/mol) among those studied, favoring pi-pi stacking and making charge transfer highly effective, with CNTs being the next most favorable (-39.11 kJ/mol) compared to fullerene (-25.29 kJ/mol) and carbon nanoparticles (-21.97 kJ/mol). These findings offer valuable molecular-level insights for the rational design of polythiophene-based catalytic composites, paving the way for improved performance in photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and molecular electronics.

The effectiveness of commercial solar panels is directly correlated with the amount of light absorbed. The purpose of this study was to create a spray-coated self-cleaning coating utilizing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for glass surfaces. The coated substrates were thoroughly analyzed using several techniques, such as contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmittance measurements. The AFM analysis substantiated the presence of flake-like particles, contributing to a surface roughness of 0.052 µm (root-mean-square roughness, Rq = 0.069 µm). The findings demonstrated that the concentration of PDMS solutions had a direct impact on the hydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties of the coated surfaces. As the concentration of PDMS varied from 0 to 1.5

In the present study, nanocomposites composed of graphene and polythiophene (PTh) were synthesized through in-situ polymerization techniques. The morphological properties of the composites and the interactions among their constituents were examined utilizing X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The findings suggest that the concentration of graphene within the composites exerts an influence on the performance of solar devices. The solar cell employing a 15% graphene/PTh composite demonstrated superior efficiency at 8.82% compared to its counterparts utilizing 10% (6.62%) and 20% (7.53%) graphene/PTh composites. Furthermore, the efficiency of the graphene/PTh device (8.82%) surpassed that of a platinum (Pt)-based solar cell (8.06%). Thus, graphene/PTh composites exhibit the potential to replace platinum and pave the way for the commercialization of DSSCs.

This study evaluates the potential of V2C MXene/TiO2 and Graphene/TiO composites as alternatives to platinum for counter-electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). V2C MXene was synthesized by selectively etching the aluminum layer from V2AlC MAX phase powder, resulting in multilayered V2C MXene. The layered morphologies of MXene and graphene were confirmed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while their crystalline structures were validated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. SEM analysis confirmed the delaminated layered structure of graphene and the distinct layers of V2C MXene. XRD findings showed that MXene has significantly greater interlayer spacing than graphene, offering more catalytic sites for charge injection. Electrocatalysts were prepared by incorporating TiO2 paste with MXene and graphene, with TiO2 serving as a binder. These composites were then employed as counter-electrode materials in dye-sensitized solar cells. The MXenebased counter electrode achieved a photoconversion efficiency of 1.625 %, surpassing graphene-based (1.149 %) and Pt-based (1.567 %) counterparts under standard illumination. The efficiency of cells was meticulously characterized over an extended period. The results indicated that the efficiency of these cells remained stable over time. This stability suggests that MXene/TiO2 and Graphene/TiO2 based catalysts are robust and do not degrade with time.

The purpose of this study was to develop a self-cleaning and antireflective coating for commercial solar panels using low surface energy materials such as PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride), PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane), and TiO2 as an antireflective agent. This work addressed the significant impact of environmental dust deposition on solar panel efficiency and maintenance challenges. The coated glass substrates were analyzed through contact angle measurements, transmittance assessments, SEM, and AFM. It was found that hydrophobicity and transmittance were influenced by the formulation's ingredient composition. Results demonstrated that a formulation containing 0.5

Waste management has become a major concern due to the extensive use of commodity polymers. Nowadays, one of the most widely used commodity polymers is nonwoven PP. The extensive utilization of polypropylene produces a large amount of waste, making their upcycling and recycling the biggest challenge. This research aims to develop an economical nanocomposite by upcycling nonwoven waste for utilization in the automotive and electronic sectors. A two-step melt blending technique was used to prepare polypropylene waste/silica nanocomposites. The nanocomposites formed were characterized by their morphological, mechanical, thermal, rheological, chemical, and electrical properties. From the results, it was concluded that the optimum mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties were achieved for PP-01 formulation showing a 9.95