Item

Abstract

Thin titaniumdioxide (TiO2) semiconductor layer with different
scattering layers was investigated in dye-sensitized solar cells
(DSSC). Since the cost of the photoactive dye in the DSSC is relatively
high, it is reasonable to assume that the price of the dye could be one
of the decisive factors in determining the price of the DSSC modules.
Use of a thin layer of nanocrystalline TiO2 would imply reduction in
the amount of dye coverage, however, lower amount of dye in the thin
films would imply fewer electron generation upon illumination. Thus, it
becomes necessary to include a light scattering layer such that the
lower photon conversion due to thin layer could be compensated. In the
present study up to 80% increase in current density was observed due to
inclusion of scattering layers. Reflectance and transmittance
measurements were employed in order to study the optical properties of
these scattering layers. The scattering layers, which are considered
here, are TiO2-Rutile, zirconiumdioxide (ZrO2), and layers consisting
of these two in various proportions. With a 4 mu m thin titanium
dioxide semiconductor layer as photo electrode and an additional light
scattering layer (consisting of TiO2-Rutile and ZrO2 in a ratio of
1:3), efficiencies of 6.8% were achieved. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All
rights reserved.