DFT and TD-DFT Studies of D-π-A Organic Dye Molecules with Different Spacers for highly Efficient Reliable Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

This study focuses on six D-π-A systems, utilizing diverse π-spacers as bridges. Comprehensive analysis through Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-dependent Functional Theory (TD-DFT) methods at B3LYP using 6-31G (d.p) basis set explores geometrical, electrical, optical, photovoltaic, and absorption properties. E_HOMO, E_LUMO, and energy gap (E_gap), for all of these dyes have been determined and discussed using ground state optimization. TD-DFT calculates optical properties, unveiling enhanced excitation energies and HOMO-LUMO energy levels, indicative of improved electron injection and dye regeneration processes. Examination of energy gap, open-circuit voltage (VOC), free energy change (ΔGinject), light harvesting efficiency (LHE), and absorption spectra reveals D4 dye′s lower Egap and robust absorption in the visible spectrum. Molecular tailoring emerges as a promising technique for optimizing D-π-A sensitizer design, offering potential advancements in DSSCs applications.