Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous TiO2 nanostructured films prepared by a modified sol–gel method for application in dye solar cells

E. C. MUNIZ; M. S. GÓES; J.J. DA SILVA; J. A.VARELA; E. JOANNI; R PARRA; P. R. BUENO

CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Año: 2011 vol. 37 p. 1017 - 1024

0272-8842

Anatase TiO2 colloidal dispersions were obtained by hydrothermal synthesis at 200 8C from titanium isopropoxide gels modified with acetic acid in the presence of a non-ionic surfactant. Absolute ethanol, anhydrous terpineol and ethyl cellulose were added to this anatase dispersion resulting in a 23 wt% TiO2 paste. Mesoporous films for application as working electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells were prepared by the screenprinting method, yielding reproducible films with thicknesses about 10 mm and desired porosity levels in a single printing operation. An average energy conversion efficiency of 5.2%, and a fill factor of 0.66 were achieved with anatase particle sizes ranging between 15 and 20 nm. The reproducibility of the results was confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis.