Controlling electron injection, electron transport and recombination process of TiO2 dye-sensitized solar cells

In the present work, we focused on simultaneously control electron injection, electron transport and recombination process, in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), aided by different approaches. First, a new formulated TiO2 paste with tailored crystal structure and morphology was developed. Second, a novel simple synthetic procedure, so-called polymeric gel process, was developed for fabrication of high surface area nanostructured electrode with uniform particles. Third, two one-dimensional (1D) TiO2 nanostructures featuring highly crystalline anatase structure, so called corn-like nanowire and skein-like nanotubes were synthesized as scattering layer. Fourth, DSSCs in the form of double-layer photoanode electrodes with various crystal structures and morphologies were fabricated. Moreover, double layer films composed of Cr- and Zn-doped TiO2 transparent and light scattering layers containing mixtures of nano- and micro-particles were tailored. Finally, a facile strategy for fabrication of high surface area electrode in the form of mixtures of coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and TiO2 nanoparticles with various weight ratios was developed.