In Situ Formation of Submicrometer Pore Scattering Layer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In situ formation of submicrometer pore scattering layer for dye-sensitized solar cells

Su-Jin Ha, Jun Hyuk Moon

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are a promising substitute for conventional silicon solar cells. A scattering layer of submicrometer pores or particles has been widely introduced to achieve a high light-harvesting efficiency. However, many such fabrication processes require high temperatures and multiple steps to prepare the scattering layer. Here, a new fabrication approach of submicrometer pores scattering layer was demonstrated for dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs). The macropore was formed by the dissolution of polystyrene sphere in polystyrene/TiO₂ composite layer. Specifically, the in-situ macroporous scattering layer decreased the transmittance of the electrode film from 92% to below 1%. The DSCs using these macroporous scattering layers exhibited an increase in the efficiency of 22%. We believe that in-situ porous scattering layers show great promise for next-generation flexible DSCs.