Dual‐Function Scattering Layer of Submicrometer‐Sized Mesoporous TiO2 Beads for High‐Efficiency Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells |
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| Authors: | Fuzhi Huang Dehong Chen Xiao Li Zhang Rachel A. Caruso Yi‐Bing Cheng |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Materials Engineering Monash University Melbourne, Victoria 3800 (Australia);2. PFPC, School of Chemistry The University of Melbourne Melbourne, Victoria 3010 (Australia);3. PFPC, School of Chemistry The University of Melbourne Melbourne, Victoria, 3010 (Australia);4. CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering Private Bag 33, Clayton South, Victoria 3169 (Australia) |
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| Abstract: | Submicrometer‐sized (830 ± 40 nm) mesoporous TiO2 beads are used to form a scattering layer on top of a transparent, 6‐µm‐thick, nanocrystalline TiO2 film. According to the Mie theory, the large beads scatter light in the region of 600–800 nm. In addition, the mesoporous structure offers a high surface area, 89.1 m2 g?1, which allows high dye loading. The dual functions of light scattering and electrode participation make the mesoporous TiO2 beads superior candidates for the scattering layer in dye‐sensitized solar cells. A high efficiency of 8.84% was achieved with the mesoporous beads as a scattering layer, compared with an efficiency of 7.87% for the electrode with the scattering layer of 400‐nm TiO2 of similar thickness. |
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| Keywords: | Porous Materials Titanium Dioxide Solar Cells Photovoltaic Devices Nanostructures |
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