Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Utilizing TiO2 Nanostructure Films: Effect of Synthesis Temperature

This paper is concerned with a study of the influence of synthesis temperature on the properties of TiO2 films and the performance of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The TiO2 film samples synthesized via liquid phase deposition for 5 h at various temperatures, namely, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80A degrees C. It was found that the morphological shape of the film changes with growth temperature. The optical absorption increases with growth temperature. However, the photoluminescence decreases with growth temperature. These TiO2 samples were applied in a DSSC of ITO/TiO2/electrolyte/platinum. The DSSC utilizing the sample grown at 40A degrees C demonstrated the highest photovoltaic parameters with the J (sc), and eta of 1.40 mA cm(-2) and 0.44% respectively. This is due to the smallest grain size of TiO2 films and the smallest bulk resistance of the device.