Observation of Significant enhancement in the efficiency of a DSSC by InN nanoparticles over TiO2-nanoparticle films

Abstract

We have studied the effect of InN deposited over TiO2 nanoparticle (NP) films on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using N3 dye with I-/I-3(-) electrolyte. A 10-20% increase in efficiency was observed for InN deposited, N3 sensitized 5-8.5 mu m thick TiO2 films as compared to similar non-treated films. The deposition of InN was carried out in the temperature range of 573-723 K organometallic chemical vapor deposition (OMCVD). Spectral shifts and DFT calculations with a model anchoring group (R'COOH) both suggest binding of the N3 dye directly to both InN and the InN/TiO2 sites. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.