Dye-sensitized solar Cell using pure anatase TiO2 annealed at different temperatures

The performance of pure anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) annealed at different temperatures as photoanode in the application of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was investigated and discussed. All samples of TiO2 were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (SnO2) on glass substrate using spray pyrolysis deposition (SPD) method. Characterizations of the DSSCs fabricated were executed on their surface morphology, structural property, and energy conversion efficiency. In the DSSC preparation, anatase TiO2 thin films, platinum (Pt), ruthenium-based dye N719 and DPMII triiodide couple electrolyte were used as photoanodes, cathode/counter electrode, dye sensitizers and liquid electrolyte, respectively. All of the TiO2 photoanodes were annealed at 300 degrees C, 400 degrees C and 500 degrees C with a set left without any heat treatment. The thickness of anatase TiO2 photoanodes measured were in between 23 mu m and 41 mu m. The power conversion efficiency of DSSCs performed under visible light with intensity of 100 mW/cm(2) shows that DSSC with pure anatase phased TiO2 annealed at 500 degrees C as photoanode yields the highest efficiency of 3.25%. (C) 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.