Sol-Gel Derived TiO2/Lead Phthalocyanine Photovoltaic Cells

Transparent TiO2 films were deposited onto a base electrode comprising an InSnO2 glass substrate using the (alkoxide) sol-gel technique. Lead phthalocyanine was subsequently vacuum sublimed onto the TiO2 surface. The resulting InSnO2/TiO2/PbPc/Au heterojunction cell was investigated for its illuminated current density/voltage, and spectral characteristics. The ideality factor (m) and saturation current (Jo) were determined from current density/voltage J(V) measurements. Photoelectrical measurements were conducted under both simulated solar radiation and within a wavelength range of 300–900 nm. This allowed calculation of open circuit voltage Voc, short circuit current Jsc, fill factor FF, quantum efficiency Z and the overall conversion efficiency. Typical photovoltaic characteristics were obtained indicating the potential of the device for solar cell applications. The power conversion efficiency η was ∼0.001%; improvements are therefore required.