The Synthesis and Properties of the Inverse Opals Structure Used in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract:

In this paper, the inverse opal structures used in dye-sensitized solar cells were prepared by Sol-Gel method. The TiO₂ inverse opal photonic crystal was formed by coating glass slices using dip-coating process. The structure, surface morphology and the optical properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet spectrograph (UV-is). The structural characteristics of the films were investigated by the SEM showed that inverse opal titanium dioxide could trap electrons, thus enhance the photoelectric current in the dye-sensitized solar cells. By use of the inverse opals into TiO₂ photo anodes with the screen printing method, I-V testing measurement showed that the highest photoelectric conversion efficiency is 1.2%. And the best preparation process of inverse opal titanium dioxide is using Ti (OC₄H₉)₄ as precursor, ethanol as the solvent, nitric acid as inhibitor, and dipping-lift number for 3 times. The result of the test showed that this inverse opals structure has the most appropriate thickness and the optimal performance. Based on the research, the results indicate that the TiO₂ inverse opals structure could apply in dye-sensitized solar cells.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 602-603)
• Pages: 880-883
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.602-603.880
• Online since: March 2014
• Authors: Yu Lin Zhang, Xiao Qiang Wang*, Ming Ya Li, Juan Wang
• Keywords: Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell, Inverse Opals, Titanium Dioxide

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