Characteristics of TiO2 Compact Layer prepared for DSSC application

Abstract

Abstract. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer an economically reliable and suitable alternative in moderating the challenges presented by the existing convectional photovoltaic cells. However, the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells has remained relatively low. For this reason, this research was aimed at studying the characteristics of TiO2 compact layer that can be applied in DSSCs as a way of improving efficiency. To achieve this, TiO2 compact layer was deposited on a conductive glass substrate by using Holmarc’s Spray Pyrolysis system, using Ultrasonic Spray Head and spraying in the vertical geometry. X-ray Diffraction studies revealed that TiO2 compact layer was of anatase phase and had tetragonal crystalline structure. Raman spectroscopy showed that the most intense peak appeared at 142 cm-1 due to the external vibration of the anatase structure. Hall Effect studies revealed that TiO2 compact layer has a high density of charge carriers’ value of 1.25 × 1019 cm-3 hence it can be used in DSSC applications. Keywords: Raman spectroscopy; compact layer; dye sensitized solar cell; morphology index; tetragonal crystalline structure; specific surface area; spray pyrolysis.