Microwave processing of TiO2 blocking layers for dye-sensitized solar cells

The microwave heat treatment of blocking layers for dye-sensitized solar cells has been investigated. It has been found that the solar cell efficiencies achieved with microwave heating were considerably higher than those achieved with conventional heating at low temperatures (100 degrees C). This was attributed to microwave heating providing better sintering of the blocking layer and better interfacial contact between the substrate and the TiO2 layers. These results are promising with regard to the application of microwave heating to the production of dye-sensitized solar cells on flexible polymer substrates.