Enhancing performance of ZnO dye-sensitized solar cells by incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Working electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with a low temperature process using films composed of ZnO nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The effects of concentration and surface modification of MWNT on device performance were investigated. The results indicate that the performance of DSSCs depended on the type and amount of MWNT used. The power conversion efficiency was increased from 2.11% (without MWNT) to 2.70% when 0.01 wt% of acid-treated MWNT were incorporated in the electrode.