Optical-fiber/TiO2-nanowire-arrays hybrid structures with tubular counterelectrode for dye-sensitized solar cell

We have developed an innovative structure for enhancing the performance of the fiber based 3D DSSC by integrating optical-fiber/TiO2-nanowire-arrays hybrid structures with cylindrical counterelectrodes. The TiO2 nanowire arrays are grown on the optical fiber using liquid phase deposition method and platinum is coated on the inwall of stainless steel capillary tubes using electroless deposition. The 3D DSSC is made by sheathering the tube on the fiber structure. In comparison to planar illumination geometry, the efficiency for the 3D structure has been enhanced by a factor of 3.6. An absolute efficiency of 6% has been demonstrated at an optimal length of TiO2 NWs (12 μm). This study demonstrates a new methodology for building flexible and high-efficient fiber based 3D solar cells that can be expanded to concentrating solar cells.

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► A 3D structural DSSC based on TiO2 NWs and Tubular Counterelectrode is designed; about 6% full sun efficiency has been achieved using this configuration.
► TiO2 NWs are successfully grown on the optical fiber and the optimization length of TiO2 NWs in the application of 3D DSSCs is discussed.
► Uniform and density platinum layer is successfully deposoted on the inwall of stainless steel capillary tube.