| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1551173 | Solar Energy | 2011 | 7 Pages |
Thin anatase TiO2 nanoleaves (NLs) with high surface area (∼93 m2/g) are synthesized by hydrothermal route and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) made using such NLs are compared with those made with hydro-thermally synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles and the Degussa P25 powder. The NLs-based DSSCs show increment of 16% and 24% in the total conversion efficiency over the cells made with NPs and P25 respectively. Interestingly, the highest increment in the conversion efficiency (∼35%) is achieved for cells made using a 50:50 (wt/wt) mixture of NLs and NPs. In this case the dye loading is found to be >50% higher than the case of NP films. Moreover the DC resistance of diffusion of I3- in electrolyte (as revealed by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) is substantially lower than the NP film case, other cell parameters being nominally comparable.
► High surface area TiO2 Nanoleaves synthesized by hydrothermal method. ► Current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) conductivity measurements showed higher conductivity for Nanoleaves. ► Concurrent higher dye loading and improved transport in the specific NL + NP architecture. ► The charge transport properties are revealed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
