An efficient electron storage photovoltaic cell based on TiO2/carbon aerogel composite prepared by in-situ method

An encouraging electron storage photovoltaic cell (ESPC) based on TiO2/carbon aerogel (TCA) composite prepared by in-situ method has been developed to simultaneously achieve solar energy conversion and electron storage. The structures, morphologies, and electrochemical performances of the TCAs are investigated by X-ray diffractometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption, charge-discharge test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The uniformly dispersed TCA at 550 °C shows typical porous spherical structure with the large BET area of 556.1 m2 g−1. The ESPC exhibits excellent electrochemical properties with the highest open-circuit photovoltage of 750 mV, the maximum short-circuit current density of 15.3 mA cm−2 and the capacity retention rate of 88% after 50 cycles. And the ESPC formed by two electrodes provides a successful solution of energy conversion and electron storage simultaneously for the direct photovoltaic cells.