Novel core-shell TiO2 microsphere scattering layer for dye-sensitized solar cells

Core-shell TiO2 microspheres were synthesised by a one step solvothermal method in ethanol solvent. The single anatase TiO2 core-shell structure exhibited high reflectance and large surface area due to its special structure. When applied in the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), this micro-spherical core-shell structure effectively enhanced light harvesting and led to the increase of the photocurrent of the DSCs. As a result, 29% improvement in conversion efficiency of DSCs was achieved after introducing the core-shell TiO2 scattering layer. A comparative experiment between the core-shell structure and a solid structure further confirmed that the core-shell structure is more beneficial for light scattering and photovoltaic performance. The excellent properties of the microspherical core-shell TiO2 make it a promising candidate as a scattering material for DSCs.