AUTHOR=Jiang Yongjian , Zhao Fengyang 

TITLE=Application of Bunchy TiO2 Hierarchical Microspheres as a Scattering Layer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Energy Research

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/energy-research/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2021.682709

DOI=10.3389/fenrg.2021.682709

ISSN=2296-598X

ABSTRACT=<p>A novel bunchy TiO<sub>2</sub> hierarchical microspheres composite nanostructure with strings of anatase TiO<sub>2</sub> hierarchical micro-spheres and rutile nanobelts framework (HSN) was synthesized via an one-pot hydrothermal process. This new structure presents great specific surface area, large pore size distribution, homogeneous three-dimensional (3D) structure, high crystallinity and excellent light scattering performance simultaneously. The bi-layer photoanode film was successfully prepared which TiO<sub>2</sub> P25 as absorption layer and HSN as an efficient scattering layer on the top of TiO<sub>2</sub> P25 film in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The bi-layer DSSC taken on a great progress in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) achieved 8.08%. However, the PCE of single and double layer TiO<sub>2</sub> film DSSCs just showed 6.72% and 3.67% respectively. Such improvement was mainly because of the efficient scattering centers (HSN) which can bring the enhanced dye loading, fast charge transfer and excellent light harvesting efficiency.</p>