Flexible dye-sensitized solar cells by 28 GHz microwave irradiation

Microwave preparation of TiO2 nanocrystalline electrode for use in dye-sensitized solar cells is examined. A multi-mode microwave heating system operating at a frequency of 28 GHz is used to produce rapid synthesis. Well-sintered TiO2 nanocrystalline thin film is successfully fabricated on transparent conductive PET-ITO electrode. Photoelectron energy conversion efficiency of 2.16% is achieved in an electrode prepared by 28 GHz microwave irradiation at 1.0 kW for 5 min. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.