Influence of Structural Properties on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Electrodeposited ZnO

ZnO is an interesting material for application in the dye-sensitized solar cell (DCS) related to the large variety of low-temperature synthesis methods that allow for easy manipulation of the morphology and texture of the material. In particular, electrodeposition of crystalline ZnO can be achieved at room temperature, making it an excellent method for the preparation of solar cells based on flexible plastic substrates.

We will present results on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on electrodeposited ZnO, describing the electrodeposition method in detail, and compare the results to ZnO-based solar cells prepared using sol-gel synthesis and CVD.  The morphology and texture are expected to influence the performance of the dye solar cell via a variety of effects. For instance, the exposed crystal facets may affect the dye bonding, dye coverage, and injection efficiency, the electron transfer kinetics to the solution, and the trap state distribution [1]. Using these materials, we have compared the electron transport and recombination properties using small-signal perturbation techniques [2]. We have also addressed the influence of solution additives on the performance of ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells and rationalized the results. The influence of surface facet exposure on dye bonding is highlighted.

References

 1. Anta, J. A.; Guillén, E.; Tena-Zaera, R. ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells. J. Phys. Chem. C 116, 11413-11425 (2012).

2. Vega-Poot, A.G.; Macías-Montero, M.; Idígoras-León, J. A.; Borrás, A.; Barranco, A.; Gonzalez- Elipe, A. R.; Lizama-Tzec, F. I.; Oskam, G.; Anta, J. A. Mechanisms of electron transport and recombination in ZnO nanostructures for dye-sensitized solar cells. ChemPhysChem. 15, 1088-1097 (2014).