The role of in Silico/DFT investigations in analyzing dye molecules for enhanced solar cell efficiency and reduced toxicity

• Published in: Journal of molecular graphics & modelling Vol. 124; p. 108536
• Main Authors: Kaya, Savaş, Thakur, Abhinay, Kumar, Ashish
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-11-2023
• Subjects: Cadmium; CDFT; Coloring Agents - chemistry; In silico; Lethal; Models, Molecular; Solar cells; Solar Energy; Toxicity; Solar cells; CDFT; Cadmium; In silico; Toxicity; Lethal
• ISSN: 1093-3263; 1873-4243
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108536

Toxicity has been a significant concern for many materials used in the production of solar cells and generally conflicts with its efficacy. Therefore, it is crucial to develop alternative, non-toxic materials to improve the sustainability and safety of solar cell technology. In recent years, computational methods such as Conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) have been increasingly used to study the electronic structure and optical properties of toxic molecules such as dyes, with the goal of designing and modifying these molecules to enhance solar cell efficiency and reduce toxicity. By applying CDFT-based chemical reactivity parameters and electronic structure rules, researchers can gain valuable insights into the performance of solar cells and optimize their design accordingly. In silico studies have been used to screen and design non-toxic dye molecules, which can improve the sustainability and safety of solar cell technology. This review article discusses the applications of CDFT in the analysis of toxic dye molecules for use in solar cells. This review also highlights the importance of using alternative, non-toxic materials in the production of solar cells. The review also discusses the limitations of CDFT and in silico studies and their potential for future research. Finally, the article concludes by emphasizing the potential of in silico/DFT investigations for accelerating the discovery of new and efficient dye molecules for enhancing solar cells' efficiency.
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