Dye-sensitized solar cell using a TiO_2 nanocrystalline film electrode prepared by solution combustion synthesis

摘要

This investigation was aimed at preparing well performance TiO_2 for dye-sensitized solar cell by solution combustion method. The solution combustion synthesis of TiO_2 powders was investigated over a wide range of synthesis conditions by using metal nitrates (oxidizer)-urea and glycine (fuel) system. Titanium (IV) n-butoxide was hydrolyzed to obtain titanl hydroxide [TiO(OH)_2], and titanyl nitrate [TiO(NO_3)_2] was obtained by reaction of TiO(OH)_2 with nitric acid. Finally, the aqueous solution containing titanyl nitrate [TiO(NO_3)_2] and a fuel,I.e. urea or glycine was combusted to obtain the TiO_2 nanoparticles. The TiO_2 nanoparticles thus obtained were used to fabricate electrodes for DSSC. The performance of the DSSC was measured and compared with those fabricated with commercial TiO_2 powders.