Improved performance of dye-sensitized solar cell based on TiO2 photoanode with FTO glass and film both treated by TiCl4

The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) based on TiO₂ photoanode with FTO glass and TiO₂ film co-treated by TiCl₄ were fabricated. The effects of TiCl₄ treatment on the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs were investigated. TiCl₄ treatment of the FTO glass resulted in the formation of a compact TiO₂ thin layer on its surface, which could increase the electron collection efficiency. Meanwhile, TiCl₄ treatment of the TiO₂ film could fill gaps between nanoparticles in the TiO₂ film, leading to better electron transfer. These advantages make the DSSC exhibit a highest conversion efficiency of 3.34% under a simulated solar irradiation with an intensity of 100 mW/cm² (1 sun), increased by 38% compared with that of the untreated DSSC.