Anatase TiO2nanosheets with exposed (001) facets: improved photoelectric conversion efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are fabricated based on anatase TiO₂ nanosheets (TiO₂-NSs) with exposed {001} facets, which were obtained by a simple one-pot hydrothermal route using HF as a morphology controlling agent and Ti(OC₄H₉)₄ as precursor. The prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms. The photoelectric conversion performances of TiO₂-NSs solar cells are also compared with TiO₂ nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) and commercial-grade Degussa P25 TiO₂ nanoparticle (P25) solar cells at the same film thickness, and their photoelectric conversion efficiencies (η) are 4.56, 4.24 and 3.64%, respectively. The enhanced performance of the TiO₂-NS solar cell is due to their good crystallization, high pore volume, large particle size and enhanced light scattering. The prepared TiO₂ nanosheet film electrode should also find wide-ranging potential applications in various fields including photocatalysis, catalysis, electrochemistry, separation, purification and so on.