Dye-sensitized solar cells containing photoelectrodes with TiO₂ grids

A 90-nm-thick TiO₂ grid is created through photolithography, sputtering and lift-off process in this study. A nanoporous film is deposited on the TiO₂ grid. The grid induces a protrusive structure in the nanoporous film. Experimental results demonstrate that introducing the TiO₂ grid into a dye-sensitized solar cell increases its power conversion efficiency by 25% compared to a dye-sensitized solar cell lacking a TiO₂ grid. Consequently, the TiO₂ grid proves beneficial in augmenting the power conversion efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cell. The increased power conversion efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cell containing the TiO₂ grid is attributed to the large surface area and directional electron transport channels of the protrusive structure. The TiO₂ grid offers advantages such as simple fabrication, cost-effective production and improved power conversion efficiency.