The Preparation of ZnO Nanopowders and Dye Sensitized Solar Cells By Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

In this paper, ZnO nanopowders and dye sensitized solar cells were prepared by sol-gel and screen printing method, respectively. First, ZnO nanopowders were synthesized by using zinc acetate, ethanol and diethanolamined as raw materials. The effects of Zn2+ molar concentration on the microstructure and photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO nanopowders were investigated. When Zn2+molar concentration were 0.4M, 0.6M, 0.8M and 1.2M, ZnO nanoparticles with diameter of about 80~100nm were obtained. When Zn2+ molar concentration reached 2.4M, ZnO nanobowls consisted of nanoparticles with diameter about 80~100nm were synthesized. When Zn2+molar concentration reached 3.6M, ZnO nanoparticles were obtained, and particle size distribution of obtained ZnO nanoparticles became broader. Methyl orange degradation rate of ZnO nanopowders prepared with 0.4M, after treated by ultraviolet radiation for 8 hours, were up to 88.5%. ZnO nanopowders prepared with 1.2M and 3.6M were assembled into solar cells. The properties of the solar cell prepared with 1.2M were optimal. The short-circuit photocurrent, open-circuit photovoltage, fill factor and efficiency were 14.72 mA/cm2, 0.649V, 0.332 and 0.914%, respectively.