Multi-layer TiO2 films prepared by aerosol deposition method for dye-sensitized solar cells

The control of microstructure, from a compact to a porous TiO2layer, was investigated for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by employing aerosol deposition. A highly compact TiO2 layer that suppresses electron recombination was grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide electrode by strong impact and the consolidation of sub-micron-size powders. By spraying a mixture powders with different diameters during the aerosol deposition, it was possible to grow a porous TiO2 layer on the compact layer without the need for binder components. The performance of DSSCs with as-deposited TiO2layers produced by aerosol deposition was compared with corresponding values for an annealed sample. The effect of the compact layer on the conversion efficiency of DSSCs was also investigated. The conversion efficiency of DSSCs with a compact layer was enhanced by 62% compared to those without a compact layer.