Multi-functional 3D N-doped TiO<sub>2</sub> microspheres used as scattering layers for dye-sensitized solar cells

doi:10.1007/s11705-017-1643-1

Front. Chem. Sci. Eng.

2017, Vol. 11

Issue (3) : 395-404 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-017-1643-1

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Multi-functional 3D N-doped TiO₂ microspheres used as scattering layers for dye-sensitized solar cells

Zijian Cui^1,², Kaiyue Zhang^1,², Guangyu Xing^1,², Yaqing Feng^1,², Shuxian Meng^1,²(

)

¹. School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
². Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300350, China

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Abstract

Three-dimensional TiO₂ microspheres doped with N were synthesized by a simple single-step solvothermal method and the sample treated for 15 h (hereafter called TMF) was then used as scattering layers in the photoanodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The TMF was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The TMF had a high surface area of 93.2 m²·g⁻¹ which was beneficial for more dye-loading. Five photoanode films with different internal structures were fabricated by printing different numbers of TMF scattering layers on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass. UV-vis diffuse reflection spectra, incident photon-to-current efficiencies, photocurrent-voltage curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the optical and electrochemical properties of these photoanodes in DSSCs. The presence of nitrogen in the TMF changed the TMF microstructure, which led to a higher open circuit voltage and a longer electron lifetime. In addition, the presence of the nitrogen significantly improved the light utilization and photocurrent. The highest photoelectric conversion efficiency achieved was 8.08%, which is much higher than that derived from typical P25 nanoparticles (6.52%).

Keywords DSSCs N doping scattering layer electron lifetime

Corresponding Author(s): Shuxian Meng

Just Accepted Date: 07 April 2017 Online First Date: 19 May 2017 Issue Date: 23 August 2017

Cite this article:

Zijian Cui,Kaiyue Zhang,Guangyu Xing, et al. Multi-functional 3D N-doped TiO₂ microspheres used as scattering layers for dye-sensitized solar cells[J]. Front. Chem. Sci. Eng., 2017, 11(3): 395-404.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fcse/EN/10.1007/s11705-017-1643-1
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fcse/EN/Y2017/V11/I3/395

Fig.1 SEM images of samples treated for different lengths of time (a,e) 8 h; (b,f) 12 h; (c,g) 15 h; (d,h) 20 h

Fig.2 (a) TEM and (b) HRTEM images of TMF microspheres

Fig.3 X-ray diffractograms of TMF and P25

Fig.4 Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms (a: TMF, b: P25) and the pore-size distribution curve (inset) for the TMF powders

Fig.5 XPS spectra: N 1s (a, TMF), Ti 2p (b, TMF and P25) and O 1s (c, TMF and P25)

Fig.6 TEM image of (a) TMF and (b) element mapping results of N

Fig.7 UV-vis diffused reflectance spectra of PT-6/0, PT-5/1, PT-3/3, PT-1/5 and PT-0/6 photoanodes

Fig.8 (a) J-V curves of DSSCs based on different films; (b) Efficiency as a function of the number of scattering layers

Tab.1 Photovoltaic properties of DSSCs prepared with different photoanodes

Fig.9 IPCE spectra of DSSCs with different photoanodes

Fig.10 (a) Nyquist and (b) Bode plots of the DSSCs based on different ﬁlms

Tab.2 Electron dynamic parameters estimated from the Nyquist plots and Bode phase plots

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