Improvement in Performances of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell with SiO₂-Coated TiO₂ Photoelectrode

Authors: Mohan, Varishetty Madhu; Shimomura, Masaru; Murakami, Kenji

Source: Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Volume 12, Number 1, January 2012 , pp. 433-438(6)

Publisher: American Scientific Publishers

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $113.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The pure TiO₂ and the nano-porous SiO₂-coated TiO₂ (STO) films were deposited on the FTO substrates by spray technique for the application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). XRD pattern shows the pure TiO₂ and STO films exhibits the same structure. We found that there is no much difference in dye absorption between the STO and the pure TiO₂ films. The electrochemical impedance spectra reveal that insulating nature of the porous SiO₂ increases surface resistance of the TiO₂ film and supresses back transfer of the photogenerated electrons to the electrolyte. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) reveal that the surface morphology and the existence of SiO₂ layer on the surface of the TiO₂ films, respectively. The photoelectrochemical results show that the short-circuit photocurrent (J_SC) increased from 16.73 mA cm⁻² to 18.31 mA cm⁻² and the open-circuit voltage (V_OC) value changed from 0.71 V to 0.74 V for the STO films. The efficiency of cell has been greatly improved from 8.25 to 9.3%.

Keywords: SPRAY PYROLYSIS; SIO2 COATED TIO2; WORKING ELECTRODE; CHARGE RECOMBINATION; DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL; PHOTO ELECTRON CONVERSION EFFICIENCY

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2012.5347

Publication date: 2012-01-01

More about this publication?

Journal for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (JNN) is an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal with a wide-ranging coverage, consolidating research activities in all areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology into a single and unique reference source. JNN is the first cross-disciplinary journal to publish original full research articles, rapid communications of important new scientific and technological findings, timely state-of-the-art reviews with author's photo and short biography, and current research news encompassing the fundamental and applied research in all disciplines of science, engineering and medicine.
Editorial Board
Information for Authors
Subscribe to this Title
Terms & Conditions
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites