All-solid-state front-illuminated titania nanotube-based dye-sensitized solar-cells

LI KANGLE

Publication

All-solid-state front-illuminated titania nanotube-based dye-sensitized solar-cells

LI KANGLE

Abstract

The thesis provides a systematic study of fabricating and characterizing front-illuminated titania nanotube-based dye-sensitized solar cells with a focus on all-solid state heterojunction cells. In order to achieve the project goal, I have developed a novel and highly reliable method to transfer nanotubular TiO2 structures onto FTO, and used this unique structure for the application in all-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells. A highly efficient and stable solid state solar cell could finally be achieved by solution casting of a CuSCN-based hole-conductor into this nanotube array. Optimization of the conductivity by Ni2+ doping and of the pore penetration via additives controlling the CuSCN particle size proved essential for the favorable performance of the produced solar cells. Front-illuminated nanotube-based dye-sensitized solar cells with light conversion efficiency up to 2% are fabricated. The cell photovoltaic performance can last for at least two months with proper sealing technique.