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Synthesis of Flower-Like ZnO Films and Their Photovoltaic Properties for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

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Abstract

Flower-like ZnO films were synthesized by chemical bath deposition, and their performance as photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was investigated. The physical and chemical properties of the grown layers as a function of Zn2+ concentration were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and ultraviolet (UV) –visible spectroscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and open-circuit voltage decay curve measurements were used to determine the kinetic processes of the ZnO photoanodes of the DSSCs. The results show that the bandgap of the ZnO film was smaller than that of the pure one. DSSCs with flower-like ZnO film with 0.05 M Zn2+ exhibited the smallest electron-transfer resistance in the ZnO/dye/electrolyte interface, indicating the highest light conversion efficiency. DSSCs based on 0.075 M Zn2+ showed the highest open-circuit voltage of 0.74 V.

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Acknowledgements

This study was financially supported by Henan technology department (No. 122300410297) and Zhengzhou University of Light Industry (No. 2011XGGJS005).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Material and Chemical Engineering College, Key Lab Surface & Interface Science, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, 450002, People’s Republic of China

    Linsen Zhang, Kai Jin, Suzhen Li, Lizhen Wang, Yong Zhang & Xiaofeng Li

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  1. Linsen Zhang
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  2. Kai Jin
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  3. Suzhen Li
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  4. Lizhen Wang
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  5. Yong Zhang
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  6. Xiaofeng Li
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Correspondence to Linsen Zhang.

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Zhang, L., Jin, K., Li, S. et al. Synthesis of Flower-Like ZnO Films and Their Photovoltaic Properties for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. J. Electron. Mater. 44, 244–251 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-014-3437-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-014-3437-2

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