Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Hollow TiO<sub>2</sub> Spheres with Enhanced Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications
Fabricating photoanodes with a strong light-scattering effect can improve the photoconversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, a facile microwave hydrothermal process was developed to prepare Au@TiO<sub>2</sub> core–shell nanostructures, and then the Au cor...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Nanomaterials |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/22/1782 |
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| Summary: | Fabricating photoanodes with a strong light-scattering effect can improve the photoconversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, a facile microwave hydrothermal process was developed to prepare Au@TiO<sub>2</sub> core–shell nanostructures, and then the Au core was removed by etching, resulting in hollow TiO<sub>2</sub>. Morphological characterizations such as field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy measurements have been used for the successful formation of core–shell and hollow TiO<sub>2</sub> nanostructures. Next, we attempted to deposit the different-sized hollow TiO<sub>2</sub>-based microspheres simultaneously on the surface of small-sized TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles-based compact film as light-scattering layers via electrophoretic deposition. The deposited hollow TiO<sub>2</sub> microspheres constitute bi- and tri-layers that not only improve the light-harvesting properties but also speed up the photogenerated charge transfer. Compared to commercial TiO<sub>2</sub> compact film (4.75%), the resulting bi-layer and tri-layered films-based DSSCs displayed power conversion efficiencies of 6.33% and 8.08%, respectively. It is revealed that the deposited bi- and tri-layered films can enhance the light absorption ability via multiple photon reflection. This work validates a novel and controllable strategy to develop light-scattering layers with increased light-harvesting properties for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. |
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| ISSN: | 2079-4991 |