Application of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots composite with quinoline as a solar cells material

In order to adjust electrochemical and optical attributes that impact performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), photosensitizer has a critical role. Hence, it must meet crucial needs for effective operation of dyesensitized solar cells. Present work suggests quinoline (QNL) as a photosensitizer by modifying its attributes via hybridization accompanied by N-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). In order to study electronic, optical, geometric attributes, density functional theory (DFT) and its time-dependent approach have been employed. In order to prove validity of chosen basis set and functional, available experimental data of parent QNL has been applied. Energy gap (Eg) of QNL has been considerably narrowed via hybridization. Hence, its absorption has been altered from ultraviolet range to visible range that corresponds to solar spectra. Furthermore, an increment of absorption intensity resulted in high light-harvesting efficiency (LHE) that can enhance generation of electrical current. Redox potential and conduction band have been suitably matched with energy levels of created dye nanocomposites, demonstrating possibility of electron regeneration and injection. Noted traits validate that described substances display appealing features, making them potentially suitable for use in DSSCs.