Preparation and performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on ZnO-modified TiO_2 electrodes

The ZnO-modified TiO 2 electrode was prepared by adding Zn(CH 3 COO) 2 ·2H 2 O to the TiO 2 colloid during the sol-gel production process,and was used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs).The open circuit voltage (V OC) and fill factor (ff) of the cells were improved significantly.The performances of the ZnO-modified TiO 2 electrode such as dark current,transient photocurrent,impedance,absorption spectra,and flat band potential (V fb) were investigated.It is found that the interface charge recombination impedance increases and V fb shifts about 200 mV toward the cathodic potential.The effect mechanism of ZnO modification on the performance of DSCs may be that ZnO occupies the surface states of the TiO 2 film.     

Investigation of the effects of MoO_3 buffer layer on charge carrier injection and extraction by capacitance–voltage measurement

The effects of MoO3thin buffer layer on charge carrier injection and extraction in inverted configuration ITO/ZnO/MEH-PPV(poly(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene))/MoO3(0,5 nm)/Ag hybrid solar cells are investigated by capacitance–voltage measurement under dark and light illumination conditions.The efficiency of charge carrier injection and extraction is enhanced by inserting 5 nm MoO3thin layer,resulting in better device performances.Charge carrier transport of the whole device is improved and the interface energy barrier is reduced by inserting 5 nm MoO3thin buffer layer.The device fill factor is increased from 54.1%to 57.5%after modifying 5 nm MoO3.Simulations and experimental results consistently show that in the forward voltage under dark,the device with the 5 nm MoO3thin layer modification generates larger value of capacitance than the device without MoO3layer.While under illumination,the device with the 5 nm MoO3layer generates smaller value of capacitance than the device without the 5 nm MoO3layer in the bias region of reverse and before the peak position of maximum capacitance(VCmax).The underlying mechanism of the MoO3anode buffer layer on device current density–voltage characteristics is discussed.     

A study on poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) covalently bonded NiTi surface for inhibiting protein adsorption

Near equiatomic NiTi alloys have been extensively applied as biomaterials owing to its unique shape memory effect, superelasticity and biocompatibility. It has been demonstrated that surfaces capable of preventing plasma protein adsorption could reduce the reactivity of biomaterials with human blood. This motivated a lot of researches on the surface modification of NiTi alloy. In the present work, following heat and alkaline treatment and silanization by trichlorovinylsilane (TCVS), coating of poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) was produced on the NiTi alloy by gamma ray induced chemical bonding. The structures and properties of modified NiTi were characterized and in vitro biocompatibility of plasma protein adsorption was investigated. The results indicated that heat treatment at 823 K for 1 h could result in the formation of a protective TiO2 layer with “Ni-free” zone on NiTi surface. It was found that PVP was covalently bonded on NiTi surface to create a hydrophilic layer for inhibiting protein adsorption on the surface. The present work offers a green approach to introduce a bioorganic surface on metal and other polymeric or inorganic substrates by gamma irradiation.     

The effect of DIO additive on performance improvement of polymer solar cells

A series of polymer solar cells （PSCs） based on poly （diketopyrrolopyrrole-terthiophene） （PDPP3T） and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester （PC71BM） as active layer were fabricated to investigate the effect of 1,8- diiodooctane （DIO） on the performance of PSCs. The power conversion efficiency （PCE） of PSCs was increased from 3.77 % to 4.37 % for the cells with DIO additive. The underlying reason may be attributed to that DIO additive could make PC71BM more dispersive in the active layer, forming a better bicontinuous interpenetrating network for excition dissociation and charge carrier transport. There- fore, the short circuit current density （Jsc） and fill factor （FF） was increased from 8.25 to 9.18 mA/cm2 and from 67.2 % to 70.0 % for the PSCs with DIO additive compared with PSCs without DIO additive.     

Enhancement of magnetism of Zn0.95Co0.05O films by p-type Cu+ doping

Organic solar cells withμ-oxo-bridged gallium phthalocyanine dimer(GaPc dimer) and fullerene were produced by an evaporation method.A device based on the GaPc dimer provided a conversion efficiency of 4.2×10~(-3)%,which is better compared to a device based on phthalocyanine monomer.Dimerization effect was discussed with a molecular orbital calculation,and the crystalline phases of the present solar cells were investigated by X-ray diffraction.Further improvement of the efficiency was discussed on the bas...     

Preparation of graphene and TiO2 layer by layer composite with highly photocatalytic efficiency

A process for fabricating graphene and TiO2 layer by layer composite was introduced to improve the photocatalytic activity by controlling the layers, thickness and the mass ratio between graphene and TiO2. The graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized from natural graphite pow der by the modified Hummers met hod. Large-area uniform GO and TiO2 thin films were made by a spin-coating process in turn. After exposure of the TiO2/GO multilayer film to UV light irradiation which allows the reduction of GO to graphene, a novel photocatalyt ic structure as graphene and TiO2 layer by layer composite was synthesized. The cross-sectional SEM image showed that a clear layer by layer microstructure with a single layer thickness of graphene or TiO2 was in the range of about 50 nm. The total thickness of the film was around 5 μm which was varied according to the layer number of spin coating process. Raman spectra revealed th at significant structural changes occurred through UV light irradiation. Photodegrada tion for methylene blue (MB) exhibited that the layer by layer com posite is of higher photocatalytic activity than the pure TiO2 layer.     

New hybrid encapsulation for flexible organic light-emitting devices on plastic substrates

The hybrid encapsulation for flexible organic light-emitting devices on plastic substrate was investi-gated. The hybrid encapsulation consisted of four periods of AIq3/L.iF layers as the pre-encapsulation layer and a flexible aluminum foil coated with getter as the encapsulation cap. We measured the device lifetime at a continuous constant current of 20 mA/cm2, which corresponded to an initial luminance of 2000 cd/m2. The half-luminance decay time of the encapsulated device was about 458 h. More over, the hybrid encapsulation is ultrathin and flexible, ensuring device bendability.     

High conversion efficiency of pristine TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotube arrays based dye-sensitized solar cells

We prepared highly-ordered titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (TNAs) by anodizing Ti foils in F-containing electrolytes.The crystalline nature and morphology of the TNAs were studied using X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy.We found the morphology of TNAs affects the light-to-electricity conversion efficiency (η) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).The efficiency of DSSCs reached 5.95% under the condition of light illuminated from the counter electrode.The high efficiency of TNA-based DSSCs was attributed to the neat top surface of TNAs,which allows more dye molecule loading on the surface of the TiO 2 nanotubes,and fewer electron recombination centers and a low interface resistance of integrated TNAs.     

Preparation and Characterization of Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Nanofibers

A new class of nanocomposites based on organic and inorganic species integrated at a nanoscale has obtained more attention these years. Organic-inorganic hybrids have both the advantages of organic materials, such as light weight, flexibility and good moldability, and inorganic materials, such as high strength, heat stability and chemical resistance. In this work, PVAc/TiO2 organicinorganic hybrid was prepared by sol-gel process. Eiectrospinning technique was used to fabricate PVAc/TiO2 hybrid nanofibers. The structures and properties of the hybrid nanofibers were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy （SEM）, Atomic Force Microscope （AFM）, Differential Scanning Calorimeter （DSC） and Fouriertransform infrared （FTIR） spectra. SEM and AFM were employed to study the topography of the hybrid nanofibers. The chemical structure of the hybrid nanofibers were examined by FTIR. The DSC scans revealed the second order transition temperature of the hybrid materials were higher than PVAc.     

Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells Based on Chitosan Electroylte

1 Results ITO-ZnTe/Chitosan-NH4I-I2/ITO photoelectrochemical solar cells have been fabricated and characterized by current-voltage characteristics.In this work,the ZnTe thin film was prepared by electrodeposition on indium-tin-oxide coated glass.The chitosan electrolyte consists of NH4I salt and iodine.Iodine was added to provide the I3-/I- redox couple.The PEC solar cell was fabricated by sandwiching an electrolyte film between the ZnTe semiconductor and ITO conducting glass.The area of the solar cell was 2 cm2.The current-voltage characteristics in the dark and under white light illumination have been studied.The short circuit photocurrent density is optimized to 0.95 μA/cm2 for the polymer electrolyte containing of 0.3 wt.% I2 and open circuit voltage is 380 mV.The fill factor and efficiency were calculated to be 0.42 and 0.03% respectively.See Fig.1 and Fig.2.     

基于ZnO材料的有机-无机杂化太阳电池的光伏性能优化

有机-无机杂化太阳电池是一种由提供电子的有机聚合物和接受电子的无机半导体构成的新型电池,常用的无机半导体材料有纳米氧化锌（ZnO）、二氧化钛（TiO₂）、硫化镉（CdS）等。杂化太阳电池在研究过程中存在一些问题,如电池中电子传输效率差、太阳能利用率低、无机半导体和有机聚合物之间化学不兼容以及由此导致的光电转换效率低等。围绕这些问题,针对以ZnO半导体材料为电子受体的太阳电池,从电子受体材料形貌、电子给体材料种类以及添加不同修饰层等方面论述了电池光伏性能的优化方法,对该电池的未来发展趋势进行了展望。电池性能的优化,为低成本、高效率应用该类杂化太阳电池带来了希望。     

CdS修饰低密度TiO2纳米棒阵列复合膜的制备及光电性能

为了提高CdS光敏层在TiO₂一维纳米棒阵列中的填充率,在TiO₂种子层的基础上,采用水热法于FTO导电玻璃表面生长了棒长较短、棒间距较大的低密度TiO₂一维纳米棒阵列膜,通过化学浴沉积在TiO₂纳米棒表面包覆CdS种子层,以此为基底采用水热法于TiO₂一维纳米阵列中生长CdS光敏层。采用SEM,XRD及紫外-可见吸收光谱对不同CdS水热生长时间的TiO₂/CdS复合膜结构进行了表征,并对其光电性能进行了研究。结果表明,低密度TiO₂纳米棒阵列有利于CdS生长液在阵列中渗入形成完全包覆的CdS种子层,CdS光敏层通过水热过程在整个TiO₂纳米棒表面均匀生长,逐渐形成CdS对TiO₂纳米棒阵列的完全填充和包覆,并在阵列顶端形成由CdS纳米短棒组成的花状修饰层;CdS的修饰将TiO₂一维纳米阵列膜的光吸收拓展至可见光区,水热生长7 h所得到的TiO₂/CdS复合膜具有最高光电流。所制备的CdS修饰低密度TiO₂纳米棒复合膜在太阳电池器件中具有很好的应用前景。     

水热法制备TiO2-ZnO纳米棒分级结构及其光电性能研究

为了增加光电极光生电子传输通道并提高其光敏剂的负载能力,采用两步水热法制备了一种新颖的TiO_2-ZnO纳米棒分级结构。采用水热法在FTO导电玻璃基底上生长TiO_2纳米棒有序阵列膜,通过浸泡提拉在TiO_2纳米棒上包覆一层ZnO溶胶,经烧结形成ZnO种子层;再次采用水热法于TiO_2纳米棒上生长ZnO纳米棒,形成TiO_2-ZnO纳米棒分级结构,通过旋涂辅助连续离子反应分别在TiO_2纳米棒阵列和TiO_2-ZnO纳米棒分级结构中沉积光敏剂CdS纳米晶,形成CdS/TiO_2纳米棒复合膜和CdS/TiO_2-ZnO纳米分级结构复合膜。利用SEM,TEM,XRD、紫外-可见吸收光谱、瞬态光电流图谱等表征和测试手段,对样品的形貌、结构、光吸收和光电性能进行了表征和测试。结果表明,与单纯的TiO_2纳米棒阵列相比,TiO_2-ZnO分级结构可以沉积更多的CdS光敏剂,CdS/TiO_2-ZnO纳米分级结构复合膜的光吸收性能和瞬态光电流均明显优于CdS/TiO_2纳米复合薄膜。凭借优异的光电性能,TiO_2-ZnO分级结构在太阳电池光阳极材料中具有很好的应用前景。     

P3HT和Spiro-OMeTAD共混物作为光活性层的杂化太阳电池性能

为降低电荷复合率,提高杂化太阳电池的性能,将P3HT与Spiro-OMeTAD共混后的混合物作为光活性层和空穴传输层,旋涂在Sb_2S_3纳米粒子敏化的TiO_2纳米棒(TiO_2NR/Sb_2S_3)复合膜上,制备成杂化太阳电池。通过SEM、紫外可见吸收光谱、XRD、电化学阻抗图谱、稳态荧光光谱、J-V曲线等手段,对杂化太阳电池的微观结构、光电转换特性进行了表征和测试。结果表明:P3HT与Spiro-OMeTAD共混物比例为15 mg/1 mL时,得到结构为FTO/TiO_2NR/Sb_2S_3/P3HT:Spiro-OMeTAD/Ag杂化太阳电池的电荷负荷率低,电子生命长,能量转换效率达到了4.57%。所制备的杂化太阳电池性能优良,具有良好的应用前景。     

Photocatalytic and electrochemical degradation of methylene blue by titanium dioxide

A photoanode structure for dye-sensitized solar cells has been applied into the photocatalytic/electro- chemical cooperative degradation of methylene blue solu- tions. The low eutectic point of titanium dioxide （TiO2） with a fluorine-doped tin dioxide （FTO） conductive layer results in a high reactivity of TiO2 for the photocatalytic process as well as a good electron transfer for the elec- trochemical process. The porous TiO2 layer maintains a large surface area for the degradations. Through the com- binational process, the degradation velocity was improved by - 36 %, compared to a pure photocatalytic process.     

TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>@MgO core-shell film: Fabrication and application to dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study,TiO2@MgO core-shell film was obtained by using a simple chemical bath deposition method to coat a thin MgO film around TiO2 nanoparticles. The core-shell configuration was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD),scanning elec-tron microscopy (SEM),energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX),and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Lattice fringes were observed for the TiO2 particles,and the MgO shell showed an amorphous structure,revealing a clear distinction between the core and shell materials. Applying the core-shell film as photoanode to the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs),it shows a superior performance compared to the pure TiO2 electrode. Under the illumination of simulated sunlight (75 mW-cm-2),the short circuit photocurrent (Jsc),the open circuit photovoltage (Voc),and the fill factor (fF) are 8.80 mA-cm-2,646 mV,and 0.69,respectively,and the conversion efficiency (η) in-creased by 21.8% (from 4.32% to 5.26%) when dipping for opti-mum condition.     

Si衬底掺杂浓度对InGaN/Si异质单结太阳电池性能的影响

【目的】研究p-Si衬底掺杂浓度对InGaN/Si异质单结太阳电池性能的影响,为制备高效太阳电池提供理论基础。【方法】将器件的n-InGaN掺杂浓度固定为10~(16 )cm~(-3),在改变p-Si衬底掺杂浓度N_A的情况下,采用一维光电子和微电子器件结构分析模拟软件(AMPS-1D)对InGaN/Si异质单结太阳电池器件的各项性能参数进行模拟。【结果】随着掺杂浓度N_A的升高,电池的电流密度J_(SC)和填充因子FF随之升高,当到达一定高的掺杂浓度范围时(N_A5.00×10~(17)cm~(-3)),J_(SC)基本保持不变,约为28.12mA/cm~2,FF保持在0.85左右且变化不大。开路电压V_(OC)和光电转换效率E_(ff)与掺杂浓度的大小呈正相关关系,随着N_A的增大,V_(OC)、E_(ff)缓慢增大。【结论】高掺杂浓度下的太阳电池具有较好的光电转换效率。低掺杂浓度的太阳电池光电转换效率较低,这是因为其对应的尖峰势垒高度和宽度均较大,影响了光生载流子的输运。     

Preparation and performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on ZnO-modified TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> electrodes

The ZnO-modified TiO₂ electrode was prepared by adding Zn(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O to the TiO₂ colloid during the sol-gel production process, and was used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The open circuit voltage (V _OC) and fill factor (ff) of the cells were improved significantly. The performances of the ZnO-modified TiO₂ electrode such as dark current, transient photocurrent, impedance, absorption spectra, and flat band potential (V _fb) were investigated. It is found that the interface charge recombination impedance increases and V _fb shifts about 200 mV toward the cathodic potential. The effect mechanism of ZnO modification on the performance of DSCs may be that ZnO occupies the surface states of the TiO₂ film.     

Blue TiO2 polymorph: An efficient material for dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated using a low-temperature sintering process

Recently,surface-disordered or non-stoichiometric TiO_2,such as blue TiO_2(B-TiO_2),has received much attention owing to its unique properties,such as structural disorder near the surface and the existence of Ti~(3+)ions and oxygen vacancies.Therefore,surface-disordered TiO_2has been applied for microwave absorption,photocatalysis,in photoelectrochemical sensors and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.In this work B-TiO_2,a polymorph consisting of nanoparticles,nanotubes and nanosheets,was successfully synthesized and employed as a semiconductor layer in dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs)fabricated using a low-temperature heat treatment process(120°C).Based on the analyses of the experimental results regarding the structure and those from the characterization of B-TiO_2,and its application to DSSCs,it has been found that the B-TiO_2 material has an effect on electron-hole pair separation.The conversion efficiency of the B-TiO_2 DSSC(BTiO_2-DSSC)was 6.18%,whereas that of the TiO_2-P25 DSSC(P25-DSSC)was 3.61%,and that of the TiO_2 polymorph DSSC(PTiO_2-DSSC)which is the precursor of B-TiO_2 was 4.51%.