Sb2S3 surface modification induced remarkable enhancement of TiO2 core/shell nanowries solar cells

This study presents the fabrication of a novel dye-sensitized solar cell with Sb2S3-modified TiO2 nanowire (NW) arrays/TiO2 nanoparticles (NP) (TiO2(NWs)/TiO2(NPs)/Sb2S3) as the anodes and N719 dye as the sensitizer. A solar conversion efficiency of 4.91% at 1 sun illumination was achieved for the composite cell, which is markedly higher than the efficiency rates obtained using TiO2 and TiO2(NWs)/Sb2S3/TiO2(NPs) NW cells, calculated at 2.36% and 3.11%, respectively. The improved efficiency results from the large surface area of the NPs, as well as the expansion of the light absorption region and high absorption coefficient by Sb2S3 surface modification.

A novel TiO2(NWs)/TiO2(NPs)/Sb2S3 dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is fabricated, a solar conversion efficiency of 4.91 % at 1 sun illumination is achieved.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We fabricate sandwich structured TiO2 dye-sensitized solar cells.
► The anode of the solar cells consist of Sb2S3 modified TiO2 nanowire arrays/TiO2 nanopartices.
► A solar conversion efficiency of 4.91% at 1 sun illumination is achieved.
► The high efficiency results from large surface area and expanded light adsorption of the anode.