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Dependence of ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cell characteristics on the layer deposition method

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Abstract

The selection of a proper method for the semiconductor layer deposition is an important requirement towards a high efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We compared three techniques for deposition of the semiconductor thin layer in ZnO-based DSSCs, in order to determine the dependence between the deposition method, the ZnO film properties and finally the DSSCs characteristics. For this purpose, we varied the method used for deposition of the semiconductor film and we replaced ZnO with Al-doped ZnO. The nanostructured films morphology was analysed by transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The optical properties were examined by UV–visible spectroscopy and the bandgap energies were calculated using the Tauc equation. The higher fill factor value was registered for DSSCs based on the ZnO film obtained by electrochemical method, but the higher efficiency was registered for doctor-blading method.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, 900527, Romania

    ANCA DUMBRAVA

  2. Department of Physics, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, 900527, Romania

    GABRIEL PRODAN, ADRIAN GEORGESCU & FLORIN MOSCALU

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  1. ANCA DUMBRAVA
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  2. GABRIEL PRODAN
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  3. ADRIAN GEORGESCU
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  4. FLORIN MOSCALU
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Correspondence to ANCA DUMBRAVA.

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DUMBRAVA, A., PRODAN, G., GEORGESCU, A. et al. Dependence of ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cell characteristics on the layer deposition method. Bull Mater Sci 38, 65–72 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-014-0793-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-014-0793-8

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