Synthesis of Macro-Porous SnO2 for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Macro-porous SnO2 was synthesized using the template method and its electrical properties were investigated for applications as an electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Polystyrene (PS) spherical nano beads in a colloidal solution were used as a template for the synthesis of macro-porous SnO2. Macro-porous SnO2 was synthesized by mixing the precursor and polystyrene colloid. The concentration of tin chloride (SnCl4) used as the precursor ranged from 0.025 to 0.1M. The surface area and crystallinity of macro-porous SnO2 increased with increasing concentration of the SnCl4 solution. The crystalline SnO2 electrode in a DSSC produced a high short circuit current (J(sc)) owing to its high surface area. Overall, macro-porous SnO2 can be applied to electronic devices because of its high performance, such as electron mobility.