Influence of light scattering particles in the TiO2 photoelectrode for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell

A TiO2 film was modified by adding light scattering particles and applied to an anode electrode in solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The TiO2 films with 10 wt% (vs. TiO2 weight) light scattering particles showed enhanced performance (28%), compared with nanocrystalline TiO2 films, which were used as the controls. In particular, the photocurrent density (Jsc) reached approximately 12.6 mA/cm2 under a one-sun condition. This was attributed to the light scattering effect and decrease in internal resistance through the macroporous structure with a minor loss of electron transport. However, in the case of a larger concentration of light scattering particles (>10 wt%), there was a decrease in the efficiency of DSSCs, which resulted from the decreased surface area and degraded electron transport and charge recombination properties, as confirmed by the measurement of stepped light-induced photocurrent and photovoltage transients. Furthermore, the diffusion properties and kinetics of the composite polymer electrolyte with the nanoporous and macroporous TiO2 films were compared and evaluated from the electrochemical impedance spectra.