TiO2 thin film encapsulated ZnO nanorod and nanoflower dye sensitized solar cells

The performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on ZnO nanorods and nanoflowers coated with thin shells of TiO₂ thin film prepared by sol–gel deposition are described. It is found that shells act as insulating barriers that improve cell open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density. The superior performance of the ZnO–TiO₂ core–shell cells is a result of a radial electron transport within each ZnO nanorods and nanoflowers that decreases the rate of recombination and percolation of the electron in these devices.