Interface Regulation and Properties of Transparent Anatase TiO2 Photoanode Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells

In this work, we propose a strategy that is different from the traditional technology of increasing the specific area of the TiO2 film to improve the carrying capacity of QDs in QDSSCs. Transparent anatase TiO2 films are prepared by improving the optical transmittance of the photoanode TiO2 film so that the attached QDs can capture more photons and improve the efficiency of utilizing QDs. This QDSSC preparation technology sacrifices part of QDs loading but improves the utilization efficiency of QDs. At the same time, the transparent bulk TiO2 film decreases the transmission distance of photogenerated charge carriers, reduces the cross-interface transport, optimizes the transmission path, and reduces the carrier capture composite rate compared with the TiO2 particle film. Therefore, it not only increases the V-oc, FF, and PCE of QDSSCs to 0.628 V, 54.7, and 6.166%, respectively, but also has greater transparency. It meets the demand for solar cell transparency in practical applications and has a wider range of applications and better aesthetics. The mechanism simulation and theoretical analysis of photothermal conversion and electromagnetic mechanism show that the barrier of carrier transfer in bulk transparent anatase TiO2 is lower than the physical barrier between anatase TiO2 NPs. The advantages of the anatase transparent TiO2 film in the process of photogenerated charge carrier transmission are verified. It provides an idea for the development of QDSSCs. It also brings the technology of transparent TiO2 film to related fields.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel strategy for improving QDSSCs is proposed by preparing transparent anatase TiO2 films with improved optical transmittance. This approach enhances the utilization efficiency of QDs by increasing the number of captured photons. The transparent bulk TiO2 film also optimizes the transmission path of charge carriers and reduces carrier capture composite rate. The results show improved performance parameters and higher transparency, making it suitable for practical application and aesthetics.