Dye-sensitized TiO2 nanotube solar cells: fabrication and electronic characterization

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2005 Dec 21;7(24):4157-63. doi: 10.1039/b511016e. Epub 2005 Oct 13.

Abstract

TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) with large aspect ratio and large specific surface area were prepared from P25 (Nippon Aerosil) and applied to dye-sensitized titanium dioxide solar cells (DSSCs). Optimization of fabrication conditions, i.e., pH of the starting paste, sintering temperature for the TiO2 electrodes, electrolyte compositions of DSSCs gave the high conversion efficiency with improved open circuit voltage (V(oc)) and fill factor (FF) when compared to DSSCs made of P25. The evaluation of dye adsorption and the photo-injected electron transport such as electron diffusion coefficient (D) and electron lifetime (tau) in TNTs electrodes revealed that the higher efficiency resulted from increase of electron density with keeping much longer tau in TNTs electrodes than in P25 electrodes.

MeSH terms

  • Coloring Agents / chemistry
  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Electrodes
  • Electronics
  • Equipment Design
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Photochemistry
  • Semiconductors
  • Solar Energy*
  • Temperature
  • Titanium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • titanium dioxide
  • Titanium