Chapter 5 - TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of the performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on TiO2 photo anodes and doped TiO2 photoanodes. The chapter starts with the history of the emergence of DSSC in the midst of the search for a better performance electrode for electrochemical cells. It further discusses how TiO2 comparatively stands as the best with alternative oxides by virtue of its unique properties. This is followed by the analysis of various factors affecting the performance of TiO2-based DSSCs. The slow progress of TiO2-based DSSC toward better performance using nanoparticles, TiO2 nanostructures, such as nanorods, nanotubes, and nanowires, is analyzed. Also examined is the manner in which these nanostructures impact dye loading and light scattering property, which reflects on current density and open circuit voltage of DSSC. Performance analysis with respect to various methods of synthesis of TiO2, exposed facets of TiO2, black dye as a sensitizer and Co(II/III) tris(bipyridyl)-based redox electrolytes were evaluated by means of efficiency of solar cells. The pros and cons of cost-effective natural dye-sensitized TiO2-based solar cells is presented. The necessity and impact of doping in TiO2 toward the improvement in the performance of DSSC is explored. The chapter concludes with the outcome of various stages crossed by TiO2-based DSSC in moving toward economic viability by rectifying the various controlling parameters for the performance of TiO2-based DSSC.