Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. (2015) 72: 20404
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap/2015150221

On fundamental mechanisms in dye sensitized solar cells through the behaviour of different mesoporous titanium dioxide films

¹ Enermat Division, Institute of Materials Science and Technology (IMRE) – Physics Faculty, University of Havana, Zapata esq G, s/n, 10400 Havana, Cuba
² Physics Faculty, University of Havana, San Lázaro y L, 10400 Havana, Cuba
³ Institut Européen des Membranes, UMR 5635 CNRS, ENSCM, Université Montpellier II, CC047 Place Eugène, Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cédex 5, France
⁴ University Ferhat Abbhas, 19000 Sétif 1, Algeria
⁵ MIPA Laboratory, University of Nîmes, Dept. Sciences and Arts, CS 13019, 30021 Nîmes cedex 01, France

^a e-mail: pstgregoire@gmail.com

Received: 21 April 2015
Revised: 20 October 2015
Accepted: 20 October 2015
Published online: 6 November 2015

Abstract

Understanding mechanisms in DSSCs is fundamental for their improvement; this includes the nanocrystalline semiconducting layer behaviour. Different mesoporous TiO₂ layers are fabricated and analyzed for possible use in DSSC solar cells. The preparations included the addition of P123 triblock copolymer as structuring agent to the synthesized anatase sol. This preparation was also mixed with Degussa P25 TiO₂ nanoparticles in one case and polystyrene latex in another. Mesoporous mixed TiO₂-SiO₂ thin layers were also analyzed. The diverse morphologies and features are studied by microscopic techniques and by means of spectral quantum efficiency of a photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) that uses as photoelectrode the unsensitized porous TiO₂ layer. Contact angle measurements are also performed. We have found that a very high specific area due to very small nanocrystals and small pores can hinder electrolyte penetration in the pores formed by TiO₂ nanograins, affecting photoelectrodes efficiency.