Dye-sensitized solar cells based on oriented ZnO nanowire-covered TiO2 nanoparticle composite film electrodes

The oriented ZnO nanowire-covered TiO₂ nanoparticle composite film electrodes were fabricated by screen-printed TiO₂ nanoparticle layer on conducting glass and low-temperature hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanowires. The film morphology, composition and crystalline structure were confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns respectively. Dye-sensitized solar cells based on the composite electrode gained short-circuit current density of 8.04 mA/cm², open-circuit photovoltage of 0.67 V, fill factor of 0.40, and overall conversion efficiency of 2.15%.