Performance enhancement of TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells by carbon nanospheres in photoanode

Abstract: The conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is optimized by modifying the optical design and improving absorbance within the cell. These objectives are obtained by creating different sized cavities in TiO2 photoanode. For this purpose, carbon nanospheres with diameters 100-600 nm are synthesized by hydrothermal method. A paste of TiO2 is mixed with various amounts of carbon nanospheres. During TiO2 photoanode sintering processes at 500C temperature, the carbon nanospheres are removed. This leads to random creation of cavities in the DSSCs photoanode. These cavities enhance light scattering and porosity which improve light absorbance by dye N719 and provide a larger surface area for dye loading. These consequences enhance performance of DSSCs. By mixing 3% Wt. carbon nanospheres in the TiO2 pastes, we were able to increase the short circuit current density and efficiency by 40% (from 12.59 to 17.73 mA/cm2) and 33% (from 5.72% to 7.59%), respectively.