Composite photoanodes of Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles modified SnO2 hierarchical microspheres for dye-sensitized solar cells

Ternary oxide Zn2SnO4 was successfully introduced to SnO2 hierarchical microsphere photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells by spin-coating method. Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles with average size of 20 nm modified the SnO2 hierarchical microsphere film uniformly and sufficiently. The shell of Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles plays an important role in resisting acid etchant and suppressing the recombination of conduction band electrons with the oxidized dye. Benefiting from the advantages of both constituents, the composite photoanode exhibits an improved chemical stability and good photoelectric properties in contrast with bare SnO2 nanostructures.

► Zn2SnO4 was introduced to SnO2 photoanode by spin-coating method.
► Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles modified the SnO2 film uniformly and sufficiently.
► The shell of Zn2SnO4 plays an important role in insulating bare SnO2 with dye.
► The composite exhibits improved photoelectric properties in contrast with bare SnO2.