Spray deposition and compression of TiO2 nanoparticle films for dye-sensitized solar cells on plastic substrates

Spray deposition of powder suspensions followed by room temperature compression was studied as a method for preparing nanostructured TiO2 films for dye-sensitized solar cells. The structure of the films was analyzed with optical and scanning electron microscopy and the films were applied to dye-sensitized solar cells. Continuous and fast deposition of crack-free 7–14 μm thick films was achieved by heating the substrates during the deposition. Scanning electron microscopy revealed small amount of structural imperfections in the compressed films due to the nature of the deposition method. An energy conversion efficiency of 2.8% was achieved at 100 mW/cm2 light intensity.