The interconnected CaCO3 coated SnO2 nanocrystalline dye-sensitized solar cell with superior performance

Design, Development, fabrication and investigation of the I–V characteristics of the DSSC based on interconnected 15 nm SnO2 nanoparticles covered with a nano-scale thin layer of CaCO3 are described. The presence of CaCO3 has been confirmed by its characteristic XRD pattern and EDX plots. The thickness of the protective layer can be conveniently controlled by the molar ratio of SnO2:CaCO3 used in the preparation of the thin film and the optimum conditions for best performance of the DSSC are presented together with possible explanations for the variations observed when the molar ratio is changed. An optimum light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 5.4% in the presence of a layer of CaCO3 has been obtained which is 3.2 times enhancement over the cell prepared without CaCO3. The characterization of the surface using different techniques is explained.

► We have used CaCO3 as a barrier layer in SnO2 based dye sensitized solar cells.
► An impressive 3.2 times enhancement of efficiency over cells without the barrier layer.
► CaCO3 coating must be ultra-thin, thicker layers reduce the efficiency.