A Comparative Study of TiO2 Paste Preparation Methods Using Solvothermally Synthesised Anatase Nanoparticles in Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells

Abstract

Dye-sensitised solar cells continue to be a promising photovoltaic technology for indoor and outdoor applications, with increased interest in power window applications integrated into buildings. This results from properties not seen in other, more established solar technologies, such as the range of available colours, partial transparency and good performance under low light intensities or in partial shade. In spite of the attractiveness of this application and the commercial availability of suitable non-scattering TiO2 materials, the vast majority of new TiO2 materials being developed and reported in the literature are dried prior to being made into a paste and subsequently into photoanode films. Here, we make a detailed side-by-side comparison of different paste-forming techniques, with one yielding scattering films, and the other yielding non-scattering films. Devices utilising the organic dye D149 showed comparable performance using both approaches (6.9% photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) with drying versus 6.4% PCE without drying), while the difference was slightly more marked with the dye N719 (7.7% PCE versus 6.8% PCE), suggesting that the trade-off in light harvesting required for power windows may be acceptably small. We also discuss ways by which these differences may be further decreased.

Solvothermally Synthesized Hierarchical Aggregates of Anatase TiO2 Nanoribbons/Nanosheets and Their Photocatalytic–Photocurrent Activities

“…Acetic acid plays a significant role in facilitating the hydrolysis and condensation of titanium precursor compounds. Additionally, it can also regulate the acidity or alkalinity of the solution involved in the reaction [ 46 , 47 , 48 ]. In order to achieve the desired morphology and properties for enhanced photocatalytic applications, meticulous selections and optimizations of the solvents and the reaction conditions should be considered [ 49 , 50 ].…”

Experimental Investigation on the Performances of Innovative PV Vertical Structures

“…However, no mention was addressed in terms of costs. Therefore, the proposed work could be an important aid for the discussion and support to the thesis of a green building cost premium [32], even though further research on BIPV technology must be accurately developed [33][34][35][36][37][38][39].…”

Development of TiO2 Nanomaterials and Dyes Selection (using DFT) for DSSC Applications –A Stepwise Review

“…Polypyrrole/functionalized MWCNT films on rigid FTO and flexible ITO coated polyethylene napthalate substrates have been prepared which are exhibited good PCE performance of 7.02% and 4.04% under room-temperature respectively [123]. A comparative study of TiO2 paste preparation methods using solvothermally synthesized anatase nanoparticles in DSSC was reviewed by Kadhim Al-Attaf et al [124]. They prepared TiO2 films using pastes of solvothermally synthesized anatase nanoparticles for the fabrication of solar cells.…”