Optimization the efficiency Photovoltaic Solar Cells using synthesized TiO2 semiconductor nanomaterials and functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

In this project there were prepared solar cells using substrates of ITO on glass. The cell assembly was performed using carbon-ITO as cathode and, fourth types of anodes: (1) ITO-TiO2 commercial particles, (2) ITO-TiO2 thin film, (3) ITO-TiO2+SWCNT (functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes), (4) ITO- TiO2+ MWCNT (functionalized multi wall carbon nanotube), as anode respectively. For these types of solar cells was used solution organic dye Congo Red with ethanol, iodine electrolyte solution, between the two electrodes producing a photovoltaic cell Gratzel. Studies of X-Ray diffraction (XRD) in the synthesized nanoparticles of TiO2 showed peaks corresponding to anatase structure, with particle size of 10 nm, and large surface area of 6 m(2) / g, too these showed higher stability potential that TiO2 commercial particle. Preliminary studies showed that dye sensitized solar cell containing TiO2 nanoparticules and SWCNT showed the higher potential. Observed too that, the surface resistance is higher in the MWCNT then in the SWCNT. Published by Elsevier Ltd.