Influence of TiO2/electrode interface on electron transport properties in back contact dye-sensitized solar cells

The influence of the TiO2/electrode interface was investigated on electron transport properties at the interface and in TiO2 porous film in back contact dye-sensitized solar cells. Analysis of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) with Ti and TCO indicated that electron transport properties at TiO2/Ti and TiO2/TCO interfaces are similar despite the former's lack of a 'built-in potential'. The dependence of short circuit current density on TiO2 thickness indicated that TiO2 electron transport is not affected by 'built-in potential' or electrode structure. Electron transport thus appears similar in back contact dye-sensitized solar cells and DSCs. A back contact dye-sensitized solar cell fabricated with a Ti electrode and optimum TiO2 porous film showed a conversion efficiency of 7.8% with a metal mask under an air mass of 1.5 sunlight. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.