Efficiency Boost in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Post- Annealing UV-Ozone Treatment of TiO2 Mesoporous Layer.

Dariusz Augustowski,Paweł Kwaśnicki,Jakub Rysz,Maciej Gala

doi:10.3390/ma14164698

Abstract

The organic residues on titanium(IV) oxide may be a significant factor that decreases the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Here, we suggest the UV-ozone cleaning process to remove impurities from the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles before dye-sensitizing. Data obtained from scanning electron microscopy, Kelvin probe, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy showed that the amounts of organic contamination were successfully reduced. Additionally, the UV-VIS spectrophotometry, spectrofluorometry, and secondary ion mass spectrometry proved that after ozonization, the dyeing process was relevantly enhanced. Due to the removal of organics, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the prepared DSSC devices was boosted from 4.59% to 5.89%, which was mostly caused by the increment of short circuit current (Jsc) and slight improvement of the open circuit voltage (Voc).

Highlights

O’Regan [1] in the early 1980s encouraged many scientific groups to undertake research on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) [2]. These photovoltaic devices represent the third generation of solar cells [3], which are not based on the type-specific p-n junction
The scanning electron microscopy images were obtained by Regulus 8230 (Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan) with a secondary electron (SE) detector
UV-ozone cleaning was studied as an efficient method to remove organic residuals photocurrent (IMPS) spectroscopies for reference and UV-ozone treated DSSCs

Summary

Introduction

O’Regan [1] in the early 1980s encouraged many scientific groups to undertake research on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) [2]. These photovoltaic devices represent the third generation of solar cells [3], which are not based on the type-specific p-n junction. DSSC devices have low production costs [4], are environmentally friendly [5], and have the ability to be mass-produced [6]. Such advantages are driving the interests of many research groups.

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion