Double layered nanoarchitecture based on anodic TiO2 nanotubes for dye-sensitized solar cells

作者：Ahn Bo Eun; Kim Hyun Sik; Yang Si Kyung; Ahn Kwang Soon; Kang Soon Hyung^*

来源：Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry , 2014, 274: 20-26.

DOI：10.1016/j.jphotochem.2013.09.014

• Double layered electrode
• Dye-sensitized solar cells
• Light scattering effect
• Electrochemical anodization

Based on the TiO2 nanotube (TONT) with three different thicknesses (10, 18, 28 mu m) prepared by electrochemical anodization, a double layered electrode consisting of TONT and TiO2 nanoparticles (TONPs) with a size of approximately 20 nm was developed. The anodic TONT electrode has been actively investigated due to its beneficial properties such as a favorable electron transport rate and light scattering ability. However, the small specific surface area caused by the large pores and vacant space between 1-D NTs impedes the fabrication of high efficient DSSCs. Hence, the TONP layer with a thickness of 10 mu m is additionally deposited on the top surface of the TONT film to offer a sufficient surface area for large dye loading. Compared to a single TONT electrode, the double layered TONT/NP electrodes provide a high short-circuit current density (J(sc)) and fill factor (FF) while maintaining a constant open-circuit voltage (V-oc), finally disclosing a higher conversion efficiency (eta), attributed to the high loading of dye molecules, light scattering ability, low resistance in the photoanode/electrolyte interface, and longer electron life-times. In particular, the optimal eta was attained with the TONT/NP (18 mu m) electrode having a V-oc of 0.80V, a J(sc) of 7.80 mA/cm(2), a FF of 62.7%, and a eta of 3.93%. Incidentally, when using a longer TONT film (28 mu m), eta decreases steadily due to the fast charge recombination process. A more detailed discussion is included below.

• 出版日期2014-1-30