Aggregated mesoporous nanoparticles for high surface area light scattering layer TiO₂ photoanodes in Dye-sensitized Solar Cells.

ABSTRACT: Hierarchically structured aggregates, consisting of TiO₂ nanoparticles were produced via one-step solvothermal syntheses with a mixed solvent system containing both acetic acid and ethanol. Two of the resulting structures, one ~700?nm and the other ~300?nm in diameter, were found to be comprised of 8.5?nm and 10.5?nm anatase crystals, and possess specific surface areas of 138 and 106?m²?g^-1 respectively. These particles were incorporated into Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs) as high surface area scattering layers, along with a layer of a transparent material. Solar-to-electric conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 9.1% and 8.2% were recorded using these aggregated particles as compared to those of commonly used large particles scattering layer 7.4%.

SUBMITTER: Al-Attafi K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5583389 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature