Improved Performance of QDSSCs Can Be Achieved by Constructing a Transparent Anatase TiO₂@MWCNT Photoanode Based on the Bionic Mountain Lotus

Abstract

In this research, the structural characteristics of the mountain holly leaf were emulated. It was observed that after the initially uneven surface of the petals is filled with infiltrated water, it exhibits a distinctive transparent beauty after rainfall. Furthermore, the presence of leaf veins enhances the structural strength of the petals and facilitates nutrient transport. Inspired by previous studies on double-layer spin-coated films, we further developed and designed the TA TiO 2 @MWCNT photocathode thin film. This innovative film incorporates multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into a previously established TA TiO 2 photocathode thin film. The inclusion of MWCNT results in the formation of a three-dimensional highway structure, where MWCNT intertwines within the TA TiO 2 film. Under the operational state of immersion in the electrolyte, it maintains a level of transparency similar to that of the TA TiO 2 photoanode thin film. The high-temperature sintering process results in the oxidation and depletion of MWCNTs on the surface of the film, leaving behind uniformly dispersed concave defects, thereby greatly enhancing the specific surface area. The findings demonstrate that the optoelectrode of high transparency and high specific surface area, TA TiO 2 @MWCNT, comprehensively enhances the performance of the solar cells. The transparent QDSSC surpasses its counterparts for the first time, achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.335%. This sets the stage for new materials and innovative approaches in the field of solar cells and other titanium dioxide film-related areas.