Photoelectric Conversion Properties of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Dye-Dispersing Titania

The time-resolved fluorescence and photoelectrochemical properties of dye-sensitized solar cells using crystalline titania electrodes coated with N3 dye-dispersing amorphous titania gel were investigated to clarify the influence of the dye–titania interaction and electron transfer on their photoelectric conversion performance. The photocurrent quantum efficiency of the electrodes was remarkably increased by a steam treatment due to the crystallization and densification of the amorphous titania layer compared to that of the untreated electrode. The electron injection from the dye to the crystalline titania foundation via the steam-treated titania dispersing the dye was confirmed to be more efficient than that in the conventional electrodes. The dye-dispersing titania layer prevented interaction between the dye molecules and back electron transfer from the titania to the electrolyte. The charge separation and photoelectric conversion performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells were improved by forming the specific dye-dispersing titania layer.