Preparation of dye sensitized titanium oxide nanoparticles for solar cell applications

A new method for synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-dye nanoparticles is reported. TiO₂ nanocrystals were obtained at 150 and 200 °C by using chemically bonded TiO₂-sensitizer dye as a precursor. Titanium tetraisopropoxide was first modified with a dye molecule and then precipitated by dropping into acidic water. A strongly colored precipitate was obtained. Hydrothermal growth of a colloidal solution was carried out in a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave. Dye sensitized solar cell efficiencies obtained were comparable and fill factor values were close to the analogous cells prepared by the use of conventional TiO₂ paste techniques. This method allows the use of different substrates together with nanocrystalline TiO₂ for many technological applications.