Mesoporous titania–vertical nanorod films with interfacial engineering for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Working electrode (WE) fabrication offers significant challenges in terms of achieving high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). We have combined the beneficial effects of vertical nanorods grown on conducting glass substrate for charge transport and mesoporous particles for dye loading and have achieved a high photoconversion efficiency of (η) > 11% with an internal quantum efficiency of ∼93% in electrode films of thickness ∼7 ± 0.5 μm. Controlling the interface between the vertical nanorods and the mesoporous film is a crucial step in attaining high η. We identify three parameters, viz., large surface area of nanoparticles, increased light scattering of the nanorod-nanoparticle layer, and superior charge transport of nanorods, that simultaneously contribute to the improved photovoltaic performance of the WE developed.

Advances in hole transport materials engineering for stable and efficient perovskite solar cells

“…19g). Similarly, the TiO 2 perovksite interface is also known to cause degradation in PSCs owing to the reactivity of mesoporous TiO 2 or planar layer [206] which is overcome by introducing thermodynamically stable TiO 2 nanorods [205,296,297].…”

Vertical TiO2 Nanorods as a Medium for Stable and High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Modules

“…Rutile nanorods were prepared as reported elsewhere33 . In brief, DI water and HCl (37%) were mixed (60 ml: 60 ml) and magnetically stirred for 10 min followed by addition of 2.4 ml of titanium isopropoxide (TTiP) till a clear solution was obtained.…”

A facile method to produce TiO2 nanorods for high-efficiency dye solar cells

“…For the first strategy, decorated TiO2 nanorods arrays (TNAs) with TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs) have been introduced through TiCl4 treatment [27][28][29][30][31] or through electrostatic deposition by polymeric material [32]. A drawback of these methods is that TiO2 nanoparticles often just cover the top part of the TiO2 nanorods or may even for conglomerates on the top surface of the TNAs, which could be somewhat mitigated by TNA/TNP-bilayer photo-anodes [8,19,[27][28][29][30][31][33][34][35].…”

“…However, controlling the interface between the bilayers is important to reach a high PCE [34]. The second strategy to enhance the specific area is to increase the length of the nanorods [34].…”

“…However, controlling the interface between the bilayers is important to reach a high PCE [34]. The second strategy to enhance the specific area is to increase the length of the nanorods [34]. Photo-anodes with 30 µm [36] and 47µm [35] long TiO2-nanowire arrays have been prepared on FTO by a multi-step hydrothermal method.…”