Anatase TiO2 Nanotubes-Aggregated Porous Microspheres for Ti Foil-Based Quasi-Solid State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Improved Photovoltaic Performance

Abstract

Fibrous anatase TiO 2 nanotubes-aggregated porous microspheres (AMS) with high specific surface area (160 m 2 g À1) were fabricated through an alkali solution-assisted hydrothermal process followed by an acid post-treatment and a calcination by using commercial TiO 2 nanopowder (P25) as raw material. The resultant AMS microspheres with an average diameter of $ 5 lm have three-dimensional network-like porous structures formed by accumulation and winding of fibrous TiO 2 nanotubes with diameter < 10 nm. When used as photoanode materials of Ti foil-based quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cells, the AMS film-based solar cell gives a conversion efficiency of 7.16% with 34% improvement when compared to the P25 film-based one (5.34%).

TiO2 nanotubes for dye‐sensitized solar cells—A review

“…There are many methods to prepare TNTs, such as the anodic oxidation method, 23‐30 the hydro/solvothermal synthesis method, 31‐37 and the template method 7,11‐15 . In the following, the preparation methods of TNTs for DSSCs are explained in more detail.…”

“…The hydrothermal method is an effective and cost‐effective way to prepare TNTs, 31‐37 and there are 3903 publications on the topic in the Web of Science Core Collection (keywords: TiO 2 nanotubes, hydrothermal, solvothermal, time span:1945‐2020).…”

Advances in Hierarchical Inorganic Nanostructures for Efficient Solar Energy Harvesting Systems

“…hindering the long-term stability of DSSCs. [113,114] Recently, a study found DSSCs with solid-state electrolytes with good longterm stability, although, due to the low electrolyte/electrode interface and low conductivity, these solar cells were found to have a decreased PCE. [115] The production cost of DSSCs was less compared to silicon-based and other second-generation solar cells.…”

“…The corrosion of Pt CEs by redox electrolyte bleaching, leakage of electrolyte (via a decrease in the capability of Bynel® and Surlyn® seals with use), and the detachment of dye molecules from the surface of the working electrode may be considered essential factors hindering the long-term stability of DSSCs. [113,114] Recently, a study found DSSCs with solid-state electrolytes with good long-term stability, although, due to the low electrolyte/ electrode interface and low conductivity, these solar cells were found to have a decreased PCE. [115] The production cost of DSSCs was less compared to silicon-based and other second-generation solar cells.…”

Bio-fabrication of TiO2 Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Electronics Devices

“…Because of their low specific weight, high flexibility, superior tunability, high absorption coefficient, lower cost and high transparency, organic material-based solar cells have remarkable performance. 71 Modifications of the TiO 2 -based photoelectrode used in DSSCs have also been carried out with aggregated microspheres, 72 nanosheet spheres, 73 reduced graphene oxide composites, 74 and quasi-cubic fluorine. 75 Quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) have also gained popularity in recent years.…”