Effects of TiO2 phase and nanostructures as photoanode on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study, different titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanostructures and phase were investigated as photoanode film for application in dye-sensitized solar cells. Rutile TiO2 nanorods (NRs)-nanotrees (NTs) and TiO2 NRs-microcauliflowers (MCFs) were synthesized via hydrothermal method for different time. The mixed phase of rutile-anatase film was fabricated by applying TiO2 nanoparticles paste on the synthesized TiO2 NRs-NTs via squeegee method. The counter electrode film was fabricated by spraying deposition and sputtering methods of reduced graphene oxide-multi-walled carbon nanotubes and platinum, respectively. Solar simulator measurement revealed that higher energy conversion efficiency (1.420%) and short-circuit current density (3.584 mA cm(-2)) were achieved by using rutile TiO2 NRs-MCFs film. The utilization of a thick rutile film with microparticle structures increases dye adsorption, and thus enhances the electron excitation.

Automated summary

The study investigated different titanium dioxide nanostructures and phases for photoanode film in dye-sensitized solar cells. Rutile TiO2 nanorods-microcauliflowers film showed higher energy conversion efficiency and short-circuit current density due to increased dye adsorption and enhanced electron excitation.