Silver/titania nanocable as fast electron transport channel for dye-sensitized solar cells

Nanocables of silver nanowire/titania sheath hetero-structure are synthesized and applied in photo-anode of dye-sensitized solar cells. The metal/semiconductor hetero-structure builds Schottky barrier which favors the extraction and transportation of photo-generated electrons. The short circuit current is improved from 5.70 mA to 8.91 mA aided by 1 wt% nanocables with a conversion efficiency enhancement of 37.9% on 1 cm × 1 cm cells. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies suggest that the boost of short circuit current is ascribed to the reduce resistance in the TiO2/dye/electrolyte. The present results pave a novel path for high-performance dye sensitized solar cells.

► We report a novel path for high-performance dye sensitized solar cells. ► Nanocables of Ag/TiO2 hetero-structure are applied in photo-anode of DSSCs. ► The hetero-structure favors electron extraction and transportation. ► A DSSC performance enhancement is received with nanocable loaded photo-anodes.