Improved performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell using a TiO2/ZnO/Eosin Y electrode

TiO2/ZnO/Eosin Y structure films were prepared by a one-step cathodic electrodeposition method and used as a photoanode in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Using this TiO2/ZnO/Eosin Y electrode in DSSC, the degradation of the cell with time was reduced and ISC, VOC and fill factor values were increased. The use of a thin ZnO layer, permitted the formation of an energy barrier at the electrode/electrolyte interface, thus reducing recombination rate and improving cell performance. In addition, the adsorbed dye molecules prepared by one-step cathodic electrodeposition with ZnO were very stable compared with that prepared by conventional immersing method, as evidenced by UV/vis absorption spectroscopy measurements.