Synthesis of TiO₂ Film for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Mesoporous solid TiO 2 film (2-50nm) offering large specific surface area and well connected cavities have been researched extensively in the last decade, aiming to enhance photo-conversion efficiency in the dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs). The efficiency of DSSCs is highly sensitive to surface morphology, crystallinity and porosity of the TiO2 film which are in turn dependent upon processing temperature. Multilayered porous TiO 2 films were synthesised under different temperature regimes using sol-gel method in combination with spin coating. The influence of temperature variation on the films morphology, crystallinity, and its interfacial adhesiveness to the substrate was studied. A modified method of pre-curing temperature was employed, in order to attain firm adhesiveness of the film to the Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) glass substrate. The films prepared by different pre-curing temperature protocols were incorporated into DSSCs for evaluating the affect of varying temperature on photo-conversion efficiency of the cells.