ZnO Nanotube Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

ZnO nanotube based dye-sensitized solar cells.

We introduce high surface area ZnO nanotube photoanodes templated by anodic aluminum oxide for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Atomic layer deposition is utilized to coat pores conformally, providing a direct path for charge collection over tens of micrometers thickness. Compared to similar ZnO-based devices, ZnO nanotube cells show exceptional photovoltage and fill factors, in addit...

ZnO Nanostructures for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

This Review focuses on recent developments in the use of ZnO nanostructures for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) applications. It is shown that carefully designed and fabricated nanostructured ZnO films are advantageous for use as a DSC photoelectrode as they offer larger surface areas than bulk film material, direct electron pathways, or effective light-scattering centers, and, when combined wi...

Aerogel Templated ZnO Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on nanocrystalline TiO2 have exhibited solar energy-conversion efficiencies of over 10% and remain one of the most promising candidates for cost-effective solar energy conversion devices. The most efficient DSSCs reported to date utilize a high surface area photoanode, which allows for good light harvesting with a moderate extinction dye, in contact with...

Fabrication of ZnO Based Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells: sensitizer-dependent injection into ZnO nanotube electrodes.

Two porphyrin-based dyes with carboxylic acid tethers of differing acidity in both protonated and deprotonated forms were examined on ZnO nanotube electrodes. All of the dyes have similar surface coverage, but only the more acidic dye in the acid form injects electrons well; this dye is the only one that corrodes the ZnO. In control experiments on TiO(2) nanoparticle electrodes, both dyes load ...