Observation of Significant enhancement in the efficiency of a DSSC by InN nanoparticles over TiO(2)-nanoparticle films

Abstract

We have studied the effect of InN deposited over TiO(2) 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 TiO(2) 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/TiO(2) sites. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.