title: Electrophoretically deposited TiO2 compact layers using aqueous suspension for dye-sensitized solar cells.
abstract: TiO2 compact layers (CLs) prepared by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) from an aqueous nanoparticle suspension were used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to prevent charge recombination at the interface between the transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate and the electrolyte. The TiO2 nanopowder (ca. 4.5 nm diameter) suspension used in the EPD process was prepared via a continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis pilot plant (at a production rate of ca. 0.38 kg h(-1)). The optimal thickness of the TiO2 CL for DSSCs is about 115 nm. Compared to the DSSCs without a CL, the optimal cell has shown improved short-circuit current density (JSC) and solar energy conversion efficiency by 13.1% and 15.0%, respectively. The mechanism for improved performance has been studied by the measurements of dark current and electrochemical impedance spectra. The interfacial charge transfer resistance at the FTO/electrolyte interface is increased after fabricating a CL in the cell, indicating inhibited electron recombination at the interface.
authors.affiliation: National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China. het@nanoctr.cn zhangxh@nanoctr.cn.
authors.forename: Xuemin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Qiu
authors.forename: Shasha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Shan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Robert I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Gruar
authors.forename: Xuehua
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jawwad A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Darr
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: He