Layer-by-layer formation of block-copolymer-derived TiO2 for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Guldin, S., Docampo, P. , Stefik, M., Kamita, G., Wiesner, U., Snaith, H. J. and Steiner, U. (2012) Layer-by-layer formation of block-copolymer-derived TiO2 for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells. Small, 8(3), pp. 432-440. (doi: 10.1002/smll.201102063) (PMID:22174177)

Abstract

Morphology control on the 10 nm length scale in mesoporous TiO2 films is crucial for the manufacture of high‐performance dye‐sensitized solar cells. While the combination of block‐copolymer self‐assembly with sol–gel chemistry yields good results for very thin films, the shrinkage during the film manufacture typically prevents the build‐up of sufficiently thick layers to enable optimum solar cell operation. Here, a study on the temporal evolution of block‐copolymer‐directed mesoporous TiO2 films during annealing and calcination is presented. The in‐situ investigation of the shrinkage process enables the establishment of a simple and fast protocol for the fabrication of thicker films. When used as photoanodes in solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells, the mesoporous networks exhibit significantly enhanced transport and collection rates compared to the state‐of‐the‐art nanoparticle‐based devices. As a consequence of the increased film thickness, power conversion efficiencies above 4% are reached.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Docampo, Dr Pablo
• Authors: Guldin, S., Docampo, P., Stefik, M., Kamita, G., Wiesner, U., Snaith, H. J., and Steiner, U.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Small
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1613-6810
• ISSN (Online): 1613-6829
• Published Online: 15 December 2011