Abstract
We report fabrication and photovoltaic properties of flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs) based on stainless steel mesh (SSM)-supported core-shell ZnO/TiO2 nanorods photoanode and Pt nanoparticles- coated SSM counter electrode (Pt/SSM CE). The core-shell ZnO/TiO2 structures were prepared via simple chemical bath deposition, and optimal conversion efficiency of 2.84% was achieved. When aluminum foil membrane was introduced on the back of the FDSSCs as reflecting film (Rf) for improving utilization of sunlight, the conversion efficiency of FDSSCs was increased from 2.84% to 3.12%. The relative improvement of 218% was achieved in conversion efficiency compared with similar device without TiO2 buffer layer and reflecting film (0.98%). Meanwhile, the Pt CE based on SSM possessed of higher catalytic ability and longer stability compared with ITO/PET-based Pt CE.
Highlights
Flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs) have been considered as promising device in the field of portable power [1–6]
A full-stainless steel mesh (SSM) FDSSCs with a ZnO NRs/SSM photoanode and a Pt/SSM CE was fabricated by a simple process
A TiO2 buffer layer was introduced in situ on the surface of ZnO NRs via (NH4)2TiF6 treatment
Summary
Flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs) have been considered as promising device in the field of portable power [1–6]. The Pt counter electrode based on plastic substrate often suffers from non-uniform distribution of Pt particles and poor mechanic stability [18–20] These obstacles above result in high cost and complicated process, hindering FDSSCs’ development. Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics 184 (2019) 90–97 dye), the formation of insulating layer consisting of agglomerates of Zn2+ and dye molecules (blocking the electrons injection to the semiconductor) and high light loss from mesh pore [26,27]. It is worth mentioning, Dai et al confirmed that TiO2 buffer layer prepared via atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an effective strategy for improving performance and weakening acidic corrosion [28]. The performance of ZnO-based FDSSCs is improved significantly under low cost and easy process, which will promote its development
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