title: Nano-porous TiO2 layer using ultrafine nano-particles for the blocking layer in dye-sensitized solar cells.
abstract: A nano-porous TiO2 layer was produced by spray-deposition using ultrafine anatase nano-particles for the blocking layer for the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The microstructure and the electrochemical properties of the spray-deposited TiO2 layer were examined. The results of electrochemical properties showed that the spray-deposited TiO2 layer was capable to suppress the I3- ions diffusion to FTO substrate, reducing the electron recombination between the electrons on FTO substrate and I3- ions in electrolyte. In addition, the connection between TiO2 film and FTO substrate was improved by the TiO2 layer. Therefore, the short circuit current density and thereby the photo-to-electric energy conversion efficiency were improved by this blocking layer. The blocking effect of the porous layer was attributed to both the complicated pore structure of the spray-deposited layer and the enhanced connections between TiO2 film and FTO substrate. The low temperature characteristic of spray deposition approach indicates that it is suitable to the flexible-based DSCs.
authors.forename: Hai-Long
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Jun-Hua
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Guan-Jun
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Xue-Long
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Sheng-Qiang
authors.initials: SQ
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Cheng-Xin
authors.initials: CX
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Chang-Jiu
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Li