Properties of dye-sensitized solar cells with TiO2 passivating layers prepared by electron-beam evaporation

The aim of this work is to prevent back transfer of electrons due to direct contact between the electrolyte and the FTO glass substrate using a TiO2 passivating layer. The TiO2 passivating layer was deposited on FTO glass by e-beam evaporation. The TiO2 film was prepared with different deposition rates. The specific surface area was reduced with increasing deposition rate. The nanoporous TiO2 upper layer was coated by screen-printing on the TiO2 passivating layer prepared by e-beam evaporation. The optical transmittance and absorbance of the TiO2 films depend on the morphology of the TiO2 passivating layer. The dye-sensitized solar cells influenced the surface morphology of the TiO2 passivating layer. The dye-sensitized solar cell using the TiO2 passivating layer recorded a maximum conversion efficiency of 4.93% due to effective prevention of the electron recombination to the electrolyte.     

ZnO调制改性染料敏化太阳能电池TiO2光阳极研究

采用丝网印刷的方式制备了染料敏化太阳能电池的TiO2薄膜光阳极、TiO2-ZnO复合薄膜光阳极以及TiO2/ZnO双层薄膜光阳极,研究了ZnO对TiO2薄膜光阳极的调制改性作用。研究结果表明分别以醋酸锌和ZnO直接掺杂制备的TiO2-ZnO复合薄膜光阳极同未掺杂的TiO2薄膜光阳极相比,以醋酸锌为原料制备的复合薄膜光阳极使电池转换效率提高了1倍,而由于微米量级的ZnO的粒径大,用其作原料制得的复合薄膜光阳极反而使电池的转换效率有所降低。以醋酸锌为原料制备的TiO2/ZnO双层薄膜光阳极同TiO2薄膜光阳极相比,电池转换效率提高了13倍,通过性能优化后电池的转换效率达到4.7%。     

Enhanced electron transport in mesoporous TiO2 films modified by sol-gel necking for dye-sensitized solar cells

Mesoporous TiO2 films modified via sol-gel necking were fabricated by dispersing Ti tetra-isopropoxide (TTIP; 8 to 16 wt% over TiO2) with TiO2 nanoparticles in isopropyl alcohol. The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with 13 wt% TTIP-modified TiO2 film exhibited significantly improved overall energy conversion efficiency, despite having less adsorbed dye when compared with DSSCs with untreated and TiCl4 post-treated TiO2 films. The improvement can be attributed to the sol-gel necking (or interconnection) between the nanoparticles which leads to a much faster electron transport and a suppression of the recombination (or back electron transfer) between the TiO2 and electrolyte.     

An unconventional route to high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells via embedding graphitic thin films into TiO2 nanoparticle photoanode

Graphitic thin films embedded with highly dispersed titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanoparticles were incorporated for the first time into the conventional dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), resulting in a remarkably improved cell efficiency due to its superior electron conductivity. Massively ordered arrays of TiO(2) dots embedded in carbon matrix were fabricated via UV-stabilization of polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) films containing TiO(2) precursors followed by direct carbonization. For dye-sensitized TiO(2) based solar cells containing carbon/TiO(2) thin layers at both sides of pristine TiO(2) layer, an increase of 62.3% [corrected] in overall power conversion efficiency was achieved compared with neat TiO(2)-based DSSCs. Such a remarkably improved cell efficiency was ascribed to the superior electron conductivity and extended electron lifetime elucidated by cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy.     

Effect of MWCNT Inclusion in TiO2 Nanowire Array Film on the Photoelectrochemical Performance

Rutile TiO2 nanowire array films with multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNT) inclusion perpendicularly grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide(FTO) substrate were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method.The absorption edges of the TiO2 nanowire array films are blue-shifted with increasing MWCNT content.The resistance of the TiO2 nanowire array film is decreased by MWCNT inclusion.The optimum TiO2 /MWCNT molar ratio in the feedstock is 1:0.1.For the TiO2 nanowire array film with MWCNT inclusion served as electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell(DSSC),an overall 194% increase of photoelectric conversion efficiency has been achieved.     

Hierarchical structured TiO2 photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

A novel approach has been developed to fabricate hills-like hierarchical structured TiO2 photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The appropriately aggregated TiO2 clusters in the photoanode layer could cause stronger light scattering and higher dye loading that increases the efficiency of photovoltaic device. For detailed light-harvesting study, different molecular weights of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were used as binders for TiO2 nanoparticles (P-25 Degussa) aggregation. A series of TiO2 films with dissimilar morphology, the reflection of TiO2 films, absorbance of attached dye, amount of dye loading, and performance of fabricated DSSC devices, were measured and investigated. An optimized device had energy conversion efficiency of 4.47% having a higher dye loading and good light harvesting, achieving a 23% increase of short-circuit current J(sc) in DSSCs.     

Fabrication and characterization of photoelectrode thin films with different morphologies of TiO2 nanoparticles for dye-sensitized solar cells

This study deals with the fabrication of three different morphologies of TiO2 nanoparticles to fabricate two-layer photoelectrode thin film for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The four different TiO2 morphologies are titania nanotubes (Tnt), TiO2 nanoparticles (H220), TiO2 nanoparticle (SP) and commercial DP-25 nanoparticles (P-25). To prepare the thin films of the photoelectrodes, the first layer is coated by H220 TiO2 nanoparticles, and the second is coated by 3 kinds of materials optimally proportionally mixed - P25, SP and Tnt. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of DSSCs with photoelectrodes fabricated using H220 reached 6.31%. Finally, the TiO2 nanaomaterials with four different morphologies were used to prepare a two layer photoelectrode with the structure of H220/P25-Tnt-SP which was combined with a Pt counter electrode to assemble DSSCs. These DSSCs had photoelectric conversion efficiencies of as high as 7.47%.     

Enhancement of the Photoelectric Performance of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells by Sol-gel Modified TiO2 Films

Modified TiO2 films have been prepared by combining commercial titania powders (Degussa P25) with sol-gel made by titanium chloride (Ti-sol). The result shows that clusters are formed by nanoparticles and large pores can be seen on the surface of the TiO2 films. The short circuit photocurrent density and photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cells are obviously enhanced compared with those without modification. The relationship between the photoelectric conversion efficiency and the amount of Ti-sol was investigated. With the addition of 30 wt% Ti-sol, the photoelectric conversion efficiency as high as 9.75% is achieved, increasing by 28.3% compared with the solar cells without modification.     

Fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells using Nb2O5 blocking layer made by sol-gel method

In this study, nanocrystalline Nb2O5 thin film has been prepared via sol-gel process using niobium ethoxide as a precursor. Sol-gel films using various ratios of H2O/Nb have been prepared on fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate, and used as electron-blocking layer of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The Nb2O5 film as deposited was amorphous, but became crystalline with hexagonal phase after heat treatment at 600 degrees C. With higher H2O/Nb molar ratio, denser and more uniform Nb2O5 film surface was obtained. DSSCs with the structure of FTO/Nb2O5/TiO2/Dye/EL/Pt/FTO have been prepared, and their solar-cell performance was evaluated. By introduction of Nb2O5 sol-gel film between FTO and TiO2 layer in DSSCs, energy conversion efficiency could be improved.     

Room temperature synthesis of rutile TiO2 hierarchical nanoneedle flower morphology for dye sensitized solar cell

Rutile TiO2 nanoneedle flowers (representing concurrent nano-micro hierarchical morphology) with high shape anisotropy ratio are synthesized at room temperature by using a simple and efficient one step electrochemical process of anodic dissolution. This process employs highly acidic bath of perchloric acid (pH <2) and a large current density on the surface of Titanium foil to form nanostructures. The diameter and length of rutile TiO2 nanoneedle is approximately 8 nm and 100 nm respectively (aspect ratio >10). Dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) configured using such rutile TiO2 flowers is shown to exhibit IPCE of 30% and power conversion efficiency of approximately 3.6%.     

NPC太阳电池的TiO2薄膜结构的研究

采用溶胶凝胶法、粉末涂敷法和磁控溅射法在导电玻璃上制得纳米TiO2薄膜。电子衍射和X射线衍射实验表明该薄膜主要是锐钛矿相结构，透射电子显微镜实验证明了薄膜晶粒为纳米尺度，扫描电子显微镜实验观察了薄膜的表面形貌。分析并讨论了利用以上各种方法制得的纳米TiO2薄膜的结构及其所组成的染料敏化太阳电池的性能。发现由致密TiO2层和多孔TiO2层组成的多层TiO2薄膜组装的太阳电池的性能优于任一种单层TiO2薄膜。     

Fabrication of nanocrystal ink based superstrate-type CuInS₂ thin film solar cells

A CuInS? (CIS) nanocrystal ink was applied to thin film solar cell devices with superstrate-type configuration. Monodispersed CIS nanocrystals were synthesized by a colloidal synthetic route and re-dispersed in toluene to form an ink. A spray method was used to coat CIS films onto conducting glass substrates. Prior to CIS film deposition, TiO? and CdS thin films were also prepared as a blocking layer and a buffer layer, respectively. We found that both a TiO? blocking layer and a CdS buffer layer are necessary to generate photoresponses in superstrate-type devices. The best power conversion efficiency (～1.45%) was achieved by the CIS superstrate-type thin film solar cell device with 200 and 100 nm thick TiO? and CdS films, respectively.     

Organized mesoporous TiO2 films exhibiting greatly enhanced performance in dye-sensitized solar cells

The Pluronic P123 templated mesoporous TiO2 film was grown via layer-by-layer deposition and characterized by a novel methodology based on the adsorption of n-pentane. Multiple-layer depositions did not perturb the mesoporous structure significantly. Our TiO2 film was sensitized by a newly developed Ru-bipyridine dye (N945) and was applied as a photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cell. The 1-microm-thick mesoporous film, made by the superposition of three layers, showed enhanced solar conversion efficiency by about 50% compared to that of traditional films of the same thickness made from randomly oriented anatase nanocrystals.     

Application of TiO2 nanoparticles coated multi-wall carbon nanotube to dye-sensitized solar cells

This study uses the sol-gel method to prepare TiO2 nanoparticle, and further applies TiO2 nanoparticle coating on the surface of the multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). As a result, TiO2-CNT composite nanoparticles are prepared to serve as photoelectrode material in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). First, after acid treatment of MWCNT is used to remove impurities. Then, the sol-gel method is employed to prepare TiO2-CNT composite nanopowder. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that after the TiO2 in TiO2-CNT composite nanopowder has been thermally treated at 450 degrees C, it can be completely changed to anatase phase. Furthermore, as shown from the SEM image, TiO2 has been successfully coated on CNT. The photoelectrode of DSSC is prepared using the electrophoretic deposition method (EPD) to mix the Degassa P25 TiO2 nanoparticles with TiO2-CNT powder for deposition on the indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive glass. After secondary EPD, a thin film of TiO2/CNTs with thickness 17 microm can be acquired. For the prepared TiO2-CNT composite nanoparticles, since MWCNT can increase the short-circuit current density of DSSC, the light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of DSSC can be effectively increased. Experimental results show that the photoelectric conversion efficiency of DSSC using CNT/TiO2 photoelectrode and N719 dye is increased by 41% from the original 3.45% to 4.87%.     

大小颗粒混和的纳晶多孔TiO2薄膜电极的制备及其性能研究

把大小颗粒的纳晶TiO2进行混合,制备了纳晶多孔TiO2薄膜电极并应用于染料敏化太阳能电池中.研究表明,混合一定量的大颗粒纳晶,改善了纳晶多孔TiO2薄膜对染料的吸附量和薄膜电极对光的散射性能,提高了光电输出,在100mW/cm2光照条件下,染料敏化太阳能电池的光电转换效率达到5.66%.     

Effects of substrate heating on the photovoltaic characteristics of dye-sensitized solar cells during two-step Ti film deposition by RF magnetron sputtering

Nanoporous Ti metal film electrodes for use as photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were deposited directly on the nanoporous TiO2 layer using the two-step RF magnetron sputtering technique. The Ti film electrode replaces the transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer. The effect of substrate heating during the deposition of the Ti film was studied to improve the porosity and columnar array of the film pores and the resulting cell efficiency. The porous Ti layer (-41 microm) with low sheet resistance (-1.7 omega/sq) was obtained by deposition at 250 degrees C. The porous Ti layer collects electrons from the TiO2 layer and allows the diffusion of I-/I3(-) through the holes. The DSSC efficiency (eta) using porous Ti layers with highly columnar structures was measured with the highest conversion efficiency of -5.77%; the other photovoltaic properties were ff: 0.76, V(oc): 0.72 V, and J(sc): 10.6 mA/cm2.     

聚苯乙烯和聚乙二醇对TiO2薄膜微观结构及DSSC性能的影响

用水热法制备了多孔TiO2光电薄膜;分析了聚苯乙烯和聚乙二醇对纳米TiO2晶体薄膜微观结构的影响;用紫外-可见-近红外分光光度计和场发射扫描电镜对纳米TiO2薄膜进行了表征;并对组装的染料敏化太阳能电池进行了光电性能测试,发现用聚苯乙烯处理后的TiO2薄膜提高了染料敏化太阳能电池(DSSC)的开路电压、短路电流密度、填充因子和光电转换效率.     

Analysis of the electron transport properties in dye-sensitized solar cells using highly ordered TiO2 nanotubes and TiO2 nanoparticles

This study uses TiO2 nanoparticles and highly ordered anatase TiO2 nanotubes (AOTnt) as thin film photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). DSSCs are assembled by single-layer and double-layer films of photoanodes and their electron transfer performance is compared. TiO2 nanoparticles were fabricated by the sol-gel method, and AOTnts were grown on titanium foil. This study uses TiO2 nanoparticles or AOTnts to prepare single-layer photoanodes and TiO2 nanoparticles coated on an AOTnt film to fabricate double-layer photoanodes. These three different photoanodes are soaked in dye and assembled into DSSCs, and their open-loop voltage recession, electrochemical impedance, lifetime, life cycle, and effective diffusion coefficient are measured. Electron transfer efficiency of the photoanodes and light harvesting efficiency are further analyzed. The results show that the electron transfer efficiency, open-loop voltage recession, lifetime, life cycle, and effective diffusion coefficient of the DSSCs assembled using double-layer photoanodes (AOTnt-TiO2) are superior to those of single-layer photoanodes (TiO2 or AOTnt).     

Improvement in performances of dye-sensitized solar cell with SiO2-coated TiO2 photoelectrode

The pure TiO2 and the nano-porous SiO2-coated TiO2 (STO) films were deposited on the FTO substrates by spray technique for the application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). XRD pattern shows the pure TiO2 and STO films exhibits the same structure. We found that there is no much difference in dye absorption between the STO and the pure TiO2 films. The electrochemical impedance spectra reveal that insulating nature of the porous SiO2 increases surface resistance of the TiO2 film and supresses back transfer of the photogenerated electrons to the electrolyte. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) reveal that the surface morphology and the existence of SiO2 layer on the surface of the TiO2 films, respectively. The photoelectrochemical results show that the short-circuit photocurrent (J(SC)) increased from 16.73 mA cm(-2) to 18.31 mA cm(-2) and the open-circuit voltage (V(OC)) value changed from 0.71 V to 0.74 V for the STO films. The efficiency of cell has been greatly improved from 8.25 to 9.3%.     

Enhancement of photovoltaic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells with the spin-coated TiO2 blocking layer

The TiO2 thin film layers were introduced with the spin-coating method between FTO electrode and TiO2 photoanode in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) to prevent electron back migration from the FTO electrode to electrolyte. The DSSC containg different thickness of TiO2 thin film (10-30, 40-60 and 120-150 nm) were prepared and photovoltaic performances were analysed with /-Vcurves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The maximum cell performance was observed in DSSC with 10-30 nm of TiO2 thin film thickness (11.92 mA/cm2, 0.74 V, 64%, and 5.62%) to compare with that of pristine DSSC (11.09 mA/cm2, 0.65 V, 62%, and 4.43%). The variation of photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSSCs with different TiO2 thin film thickness was discussed with the analysis of crystallographic and microstructural properties of TiO2 thin films.