The influence of surface treatment on dye-sensitized solar cells based on TiO2 nanofibers

To improve dye adsorption and conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on electrospun TiO2 nanofibers, surface treatment combining acidification and oxygen plasma treatment has been adopted. TiO2 nanofiber cell with a thickness of ∼50 μm gives a conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.96%. After acidification, PCE is increased to 8.59%. Subsequently O2 plasma treatment further improves the PCE to 9.33%, reflecting a 17% increase compared to the cell without surface treatment.

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► TiO2 nanofiber cell with a thickness of ∼50 μm gave a conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.96%.
► Surface treatment combining acidification and oxygen plasma treatment was adopted.
► After acidification, PCE was increased to 8.59%.
► Subsequently O2 plasma treatment further improved the PCE to 9.33%.