Characteristics of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using TiO₂ Nanotube Arrays with Large Surface Area by Spin-Coating Nanoparticle

Abstract

Highly ordered TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TNAs) fabricated by anodization are very attractive for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), because of their superior charge percolation and slow charge recombination. Highly ordered, vertically aligned TNAs have been prepared by three-step anodic oxidation. In this work, we investigated such strategies for improving the efficiency of DSSCs. Based on one of these approaches, oxide semiconductors in the form of a TNA were used as a novel method for improving electron transport through a film. A solution containing an appropriate amount of TiO₂ nanoparticles was prepared, and the mixed slurry was spin-coated on a TNA film. The coated film provided a large surface area for dye adsorption. The DSSCs achieved a light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 5.91% under simulated solar irradiation at 100 mW/cm² (AM 1.5).

Keywords:

• DSSC
• TiO₂
• TiO₂ nanoparticle
• TiO₂ nanotube
• spin-coating
• photoelectrode

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a Human Resources Development program (No. 20124030200010) of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) grant, funded by the Korean Government Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. This work was also supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) Grant Funded by the Korean Government (MEST) (No. 2012R1A1A2044472).