Assessment of TiO2 Blocking Layers for CuII/I-Electrolyte Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

• The TiO2 blocking layer in dye-sensitized solar cells is the most difficult component to evaluate at thicknesses below 50 nm, but it is crucial for the power conversion efficiency. Here, the electrode capacitance of TiO2 blocking layers is tested in aqueous [Fe(CN)6]3–/4– and correlated to the performance of photoanodes in devices based on a [Cu(tmby)2]2+/+ electrolyte. The effects of the blocking layer on electronic recombination in the devices are illustrated with transient photovoltage methods and electrochemical impedance analysis. We have thus demonstrated a feasible and facile method to assess TiO2 blocking layers for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Fysikalisk kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Physical Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

dye-sensitized solar cells

impedance spectroscopy

blocking layer

solar cells

spray pyrolysis

electrochemical double layer

electrode capacitance

recombination

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)