Characteristics of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with TiO2 Stripes

Abstract

A TiO2 strip array with a thickness of 90 nm was fabricated by photolithography and physical vapor deposition. This work utilized the chemical and physical methods to fabricate the TiO2 strip array. A porous semiconductor layer made of TiO2 nanoparticles was coated on the TiO2 strip array. The TiO2 strip array has a one-dimensional protrusive structure. The energy conversion efficiency (4.38%) of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with the TiO2 strip array exceeded that (3.20%) of a DSSC without a TiO2 strip array by 37%. In addition, this result was verified by the electrochemical impedance spectra of the two DSSCs. Therefore, the TiO2 strip array can be used to increase the energy conversion efficiencies of DSSCs. The large energy conversion efficiency of the DSSC with the TiO2 strip array arises from the large surface area of the one-dimensional protrusive structure and its specific electron transport paths. The DSSC with the TiO2 strip array has advantages of economical production cost, easy fabrication, and boosting energy conversion efficiency.

Research perspectives on the structure-property relationship of polyaromatic pyrene-based chalcone derivatives as dye-sensitizers in DSSC applications

“…The fundamental design of DSSC consists of five elements: fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass, semiconductors layer of TiO 2 , dye-sensitizer, electrolyte and a counter electrode, which is an FTO coated glass of Platinum (Pt). In this study, the active area comprises a TiO 2 layer, chosen for its capacity to offer expansive surface areas, ensuring the adsorption of numerous dye molecules and thereby generating an increased quantity of electrons [26]. Furthermore, the counter electrode is coated with a Pt layer, chosen for its effectiveness in facilitating the reduction of oxidized electrolyte molecules, owing to its substantial surface area, commendable electrocatalytic activity and high conductivity [27].…”

Effect of Platinum Ribbons on Photoelectric Efficiencies of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Solar cells are photovoltaic devices because they can convert solar energy into electricity [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted much attention in recent years owing to their appealing manufacturing costs, simple design and high flexibility.…”