TiO2 Nanoparticles Produced by Electric-Discharge-Nanofluid-Process as Photoelectrode of DSSC

Self-made TiO2 nanoparticles were used as photoelectrode material of dye sensitized solar cell. The TiO2 thin film coats through spreading nanoparticles evenly onto the ITO glass via self-made spin-heat platform, and then TiO2 thin film is soaked in the dye N-719 more than 12 h to prepare the photoelectrode device. The TiO2 nanoparticles produced by electricdischarge-nanofluid-process have premium anatase crystal property, and its diameter can be controlled within a range of 20-50 nm. The surface energy zeta potential of nanofluid is from -22 mV to -28.8 mV, it is a stable particle suspension in the deionized water. A trace of surfactant Triton X-100 put upon the surface of ITO glass can produce a uniform and dense TiO2 thin film and heating up the spin platform to 200 degrees C is able to eliminate mixed surfactant. Self-made TiO2 film presents excellent dye absorption performance and even doesn't need heat treatment procedure to enhance essential property. Results of energy analysis show the thicker film structure will increase the short-circuit current density that causes higher conversion efficiency But, as the film structure is large and thick, both the open-circuit voltage and fill factor will decline gradually to lead bad efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell.