Theoretical modeling of TiO2/TCO interfacial effect on dye-sensitized solar cell performance

Meng Ni, Michael K H Leung, Dennis Y C Leung, K. Sumathy

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

86 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A theoretical model based on an integration of both Schottky barrier model and electron diffusion differential model was developed to determine the TiO2/TCO interfacial effect on the current-voltage (J-V) characteristics of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The thermionic-emission theory was appropriately applied to describe the electron transfer at the TiO2/TCO interface. A parametric analysis was conducted to study how the photoelectric outputs varied with multiple independent variables, such as Schottky barrier height ( φb) and temperature. It was found that the variation of the maximum DSSC power output (Pmax) was insignificant when φbvaried at a low value; however, an increase in φbexceeding a critical value caused an apparent decrease in the maximum DSSC power output. The theoretical results were quantitatively compared and agreed very well with published theoretical results. The experimental data from literature were found to agree well with the present theoretical results, qualitatively validating the present model. The theoretical model can be applied to facilitate selection of suitable TCO material in DSSC design to avoid the adverse TiO2/TCO interfacial effect.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2000-2009
Number of pages10
JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Volume90
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dye-sensitized solar cell
  • Schottky barrier
  • TiO /TCO interface 2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Theoretical modeling of TiO2/TCO interfacial effect on dye-sensitized solar cell performance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this