Li plus doped anodic TiO2 nanotubes for enhanced efficiency of Dye-sensitized solar cells

The insertion of cations such as H+ and Li+ to TiO2 photoelectrodes is a universally recognized method to enhance the electric conductivity of TiO2 electrodes. In the present work we report on the fabrication and use of Li+ inserted TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) as a photoanode scaffold in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Li+ was successfully inserted into the TiO2 NTs by a cathodic treatment in 1 M LiClO4/ethylene carbonate (EC) electrolyte. We observe for DSSCs fabricated from such nanotubes an overall solar cell efficiency of ~& nbsp;7.1% compared to an efficiency of ~& nbsp;5.7% for the non Li-intercalated electrode. We ascribe this enhancement to a faster electron transport and an increased conductivity in the lithiated TiO2 NTs.& nbsp;

Automated summary

This study reports the use of Li+-inserted TiO2 nanotubes as a photoanode scaffold in dye-sensitized solar cells, and demonstrates an improved solar cell efficiency compared to non Li-intercalated electrodes.