Surface-treated TiO2 nanoparticles for dye-sensitized solar cells with remarkably enhanced performance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising photovoltaic technology.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle films are crucial photoanode materials in DSSCs.
• Surface treatments can impact TiO2 film properties and device performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of TiCl4 and O2 plasma treatments on TiO2 nanoparticle films for DSSCs.
• To optimize surface treatments for enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) in DSSCs.
• To understand the synergistic effects of sequential TiCl4 and O2 plasma treatments.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of mesoporous P-25 TiO2 nanoparticle films.
• Application of TiCl4 treatment to TiO2 films.
• Exposure of TiO2 films to O2 plasma, both before and after TiCl4 treatment.
• Fabrication and performance testing of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using treated TiO2 films.

Main Results:

• TiCl4 treatment alone improved DSSC performance.
• O2 plasma treatment alone (without prior TiCl4) reduced efficiency.
• Sequential TiCl4 and O2 plasma treatments markedly enhanced DSSC power conversion efficiency (PCE).
• DSSCs with a 21 μm thick TiO2 film, treated with both TiCl4 and O2 plasma, achieved a PCE of 8.35% under 100 mW/cm2 illumination, doubling the efficiency of untreated cells (3.86%).

Conclusions:

• The combined TiCl4 and O2 plasma treatment strategy is highly effective for improving TiO2 nanoparticle films in DSSCs.
• Sequential surface modification plays a critical role in maximizing the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells.
• This approach offers a viable pathway to significantly enhance the efficiency of TiO2-based solar energy conversion devices.