The Synthesis and Properties of the Inverse Opals Structure Used in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

In this paper, the inverse opal structures used in dye-sensitized solar cells were prepared by Sol-Gel method. The TiO2inverse opal photonic crystal was formed by coating glass slices using dip-coating process. The structure, surface morphology and the optical properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet spectrograph (UV-is). The structural characteristics of the films were investigated by the SEM showed that inverse opal titanium dioxide could trap electrons, thus enhance the photoelectric current in the dye-sensitized solar cells. By use of the inverse opals into TiO2photo anodes with the screen printing method, I-V testing measurement showed that the highest photoelectric conversion efficiency is 1.2%. And the best preparation process of inverse opal titanium dioxide is using Ti (OC4H9)4as precursor, ethanol as the solvent, nitric acid as inhibitor, and dipping-lift number for 3 times. The result of the test showed that this inverse opals structure has the most appropriate thickness and the optimal performance. Based on the research, the results indicate that the TiO2inverse opals structure could apply in dye-sensitized solar cells.