Modeling of dye-sensitized titanium dioxide solar cells

The system TiO2-photo sensitive dye of a dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cell is numerically simulated. The steady-state numerical model used is based on the continuity and transport equations for all charge species involved in the system, in connection to Poisson's equation. The dependence of both electron diffusion coefficient and light absorbance upon TiO2 porosity is taken into consideration. The resulting electron density after illumination is also set as a function of the illuminating beam characteristics and material properties. Furthermore, an effective dielectric constant dependent upon the porosity of TiO2 is used in the model. Results for different values of pore size and thickness of the TiO2 electrode are found in accordance with results reported in the literature.