Holographically Defined TiO₂ Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

We describe a multibeam interference lithography for creating 3D polymeric porous structures. The coating of a TiO₂ shell and subsequent removal of the template produce holographically defined TiO₂ (h-TiO₂) electrodes. We analyze the morphological features of the h-TiO₂ electrodes and consider their applicability to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Specifically, the performance of the h-TiO₂ electrode was evaluated by comparison with a macroporous TiO₂ electrode produced from colloidal crystals. The h-TiO₂ structure possesses a larger specific area than the inverted colloidal crystals because of a bicontinuous air network with the TiO₂ shell. Consequently, the h-TiO₂ electrode can produce a 30% higher photogenerated electron current.