title: Application of hybrid blocking layers in solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.
abstract: A hybrid blocking layer consisting of a conducting TiO2 network embedded in a ceramic matrix is implemented in a solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell. This novel type of blocking layer is thinner than the classical blocking layer films as shown with SEM and XRR measurements, and thereby the conductivity of the hybrid film is increased by 110%. A percolating TiO2 network, proven by TEM/ESI and GISAXS measurements, allows for the charge transport. Although being thinner, the hybrid film completely separates the rough electrode material from the hole-transport medium in solar cells to avoid the recombination of charge carriers at this interface. In total, the power conversion efficiency of solar cells is improved: the application in photovoltaics shows that the efficiency of devices with the hybrid blocking layer is increased by 6% compared to identical solar cells employing the conventional blocking layer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lellig
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meister
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jannis W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Ochsmann
authors.affiliation: Technische Universität München, Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Materialien, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.
authors.forename: Martin A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Niedermeier
authors.affiliation: Technische Universität München, Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Materialien, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rawolle
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Laquai
authors.affiliation: Technische Universität München, Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Materialien, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Müller-Buschbaum
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jochen S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Gutmann
keywords: Blocking layer; Hybrid; Solar cells; Titanium dioxide