Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on TiO₂ Anode Thin Film with Three-Dimensional Web-like Structure

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a key material in photovoltaic devices.
• Developing advanced TiO2 nanostructures is crucial for improving solar cell performance.
• Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) offer a promising renewable energy technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate TiO2 films with a unique 3D web-like porous structure.
• To investigate the correlation between precursor sol ratio, coating times, film morphology, and DSC performance.
• To enhance the efficiency and stability of DSCs through structural modifications of TiO2 anodes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized photo polymerization-induced phase separation combined with pulling coating.
• Systematically varied precursor sol ratios and coating times.
• Introduced barrier and surface-modified layers to the TiO2 coatings.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 3D web-like porous TiO2 film structure.
• Identified optimal conditions for film structure and DSC performance.
• Demonstrated improved short-circuit current density and photoelectric conversion efficiency.
• Investigated the underlying mechanisms for performance enhancement.

Conclusions:

• The 3D web-like porous TiO2 structure is beneficial for DSC performance.
• Structural optimization and surface modifications lead to higher photoelectric conversion efficiency.
• The developed TiO2 anode films offer a pathway to more efficient and stable DSCs.