The interconnected CaCO_3 coated SnO_2 nanocrystalline dye-sensitized solar cell with superior performance

摘要

Design, Development, fabrication and investigation of the I-V characteristics of the DSSC based on interconnected 15 nm SnO_2 nanoparticles covered with a nano-scale thin layer of CaCO_3 are described. The presence of CaCO_3 has been confirmed by its characteristic XRD pattern and EDX plots. The thickness of the protective layer can be conveniently controlled by the molar ratio of SnO_2:CaCO_3 used in the preparation of the thin film and the optimum conditions for best performance of the DSSC are presented together with possible explanations for the variations observed when the molar ratio is changed. An optimum light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 5.4% in the presence of a layer of CaCO_3 has been obtained which is 3.2 times enhancement over the cell prepared without CaCO_3. The characterization of the surface using different techniques is explained.