Optimization of thickness and dye loading time for p25 based dye-sensitized solar cell

Abstract

In this study, TiO2-based DSSCs are prepared using the Blade coating technique to find the suitable photoelectrode thickness and optimum dye loading time. The dye loading time is varied from 14 to 26 hours for the photoelectrode thickness of 5 to 30 μm. Photovoltaic performance is measured for the cells under various thicknesses and different dye loading times using a solar simulator. The surface morphology has been observed using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image for the photoelectrodes having various thicknesses. The result shows that a smaller thickness of photoelectrode (5 μm) requires relatively less dye loading time of about 14 hours for optimum photoelectric performance. For higher thicknesses (greater than 12 μm), the optimum dye loading time is relatively higher. At 12 μm the maximum solar conversion efficiency has been obtained where the dye loading time was about 18 hours. SEM image confirms a smooth and clean surface morphology for the 12 μm photoelectrode cell compared to other photoelectrode cells.