Multi-layered TiO2 photoanodes from different precursors of nanocrystals for dye-sensitized solar cells

Atli A., Atilgan A., Yildiz A.

Solar Energy, vol.173, pp.752-758, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 173
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.solener.2018.08.027
  • Journal Name: Solar Energy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.752-758
  • Keywords: Charge-transfer kinetics, Dye-sensitized solar cells, Multilayer, Photoanode
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Multi-layered titanium dioxide photoanodes consisting of various layers treated by titanium tetrachloride and titanium isopropoxide are obtained for dye-sensitized solar cells. This process is successfully implemented to fabricate highly efficient photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells, demonstrating that performance of the cells is improved by optimizing the multi-layered titanium dioxide photoanodes. Charge-transfer kinetics of the devices is analyzed by impedance spectroscopy. The conversion efficiency of the devices is considerably boosted from 6.73% to 8.43% by tuning the photoanode structure from monolayer to multilayer. The best power conversion efficiency is obtained on the device with a photoanode composed of double pre-treated and one post-treated layers of titanium dioxide. This enhanced efficiency is mainly attributed to the improved charge transfer process characterized by a larger resistance at electrolyte/photoanode interface, exhibiting a longer electron lifetime.