An efficient photoanode consisting of TiO2 nanoparticle-filled TiO2 nanotube arrays for dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract

An efficient photoanode consisting of TiO2 nanoparticle-filled TiO2 nanotube (TNT) arrays is prepared by a sol–gel process through hydrolysis and condensation of titaniumtetrachloride in an aqueous medium containing alcohol and ammonia. By introducing the TiO2 nanoparticles of proper particle size ∼20 nm into TNT arrays, the surface area, dye adsorption, short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc) and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are significantly improved (up to 107% enhancement on PCE). Particularly, the addition of alcohol and ammonia in TiO2 sol results in more hydroxyl groups chemisorbed onto the surface of the photoanodes, which is favorable for achieving large amount of dye adsorption. The influence of sol-treating time on the microstructure, morphology of photoanodes and the corresponding photovoltaic performance of DSSCs are investigated. It is found that immersing the TNT arrays into TiO2 sol for 0.5–2 h gives PCE of DSSC higher than 9.6%, and the highest PCE of 9.86% is achieved in DSSC when treating the TNT arrays with TiO2 sol for 2 h.