High efficiency solar cell based on dye sensitized plasma treated nano-structured TiO2 films

Radio frequency (RF) plasma treatment of nano-structured TiO2 was carried out to enhance the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell. Relative change in surface chemistry and hydrophilic characteristics was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements. Increase in surface hydrophilic and carboxyl functionality had enhanced the dye molecule adsorption. Plasma treatment has also increased proportion of Ti3+ surface site which supported transport of electron and hole between dye molecules and photoelectrode. Plasma treated TiO2 at optimum condition had increased efficiency by 40% relative to untreated TiO2.