Enhanced electron collection efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells based on nanostructured TiO(2) hollow fibers

Nano Lett. 2010 May 12;10(5):1632-8. doi: 10.1021/nl904125q.

Abstract

Nanostructured TiO(2) hollow fibers have been prepared using natural cellulose fibers as a template. This cheap and easily processed material was used to produce highly porous photoanodes incorporated in dye-sensitized solar cells and exhibited remarkably enhanced electron transport properties compared to mesoscopic films made of spherical nanoparticles. Photoinjected electron lifetime, in particular, was multiplied by 3-4 in the fiber morphology, while the electron transport rate within the fibrous photoanaode was doubled. A nearly quantitative absorbed photon-to-electrical current conversion yield exceeding 95% was achieved upon excitation at 550 nm and a photovoltaic power conversion efficiency of 7.2% reached under simulated AM 1.5 (100 mW cm(-2)) solar illumination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Coloring Agents / chemistry*
  • Coloring Agents / radiation effects
  • Crystallization / methods
  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Electron Transport
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Particle Size
  • Solar Energy*
  • Surface Properties
  • Titanium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • titanium dioxide
  • Titanium