Facial synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticle film for efficient fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells

SnO2 nanoparticle film is directly prepared by in situ thermal calcining isopropanol solution of tin tetraisopropoxide, and is used to construct the SnO2-TiO2 junction on titanium wire substrate. The titanium wire supported SnO2-TiO2 junction is further applied to fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSCs). High efficiency of 5.8% (Normal Model) and 12.4% (Diffuse Model) are achieved. Our results indicate that 10, enhancement derived by SnO2-TiO2 junction and the recombination shielding effect of the compact TiO2 film could synergistically contribute to high efficiencies. This study offers a novel and alternative strategy for achieving efficient SnO2-TiO2 junction based solar cells in a facile, scalable and cost-effective way. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.