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 electric-discharge-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 oC is able to eliminate mixed surfac-tant. 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.