Dear Researchers,
I would like to obtain a TiO2 layer on the top of FTO glass (DSSC application). I would like to kindly ask for some tips in the experimental procedure (sintering profile, solvent, rotational speed of spin coating) for using 18NR-T Transparent Titania Paste (Greatcell). I tried to prepare the samples but the layers became broken at ~350°C (still brown color).
Best regards Ewelina Krawczak, PhD Candidate
You need to use a precursor of TiOx such as sol gel techniques.
There are many references available. Please see one of them
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267983117_Characterization_of_solution_processed_TiOx_buffer_layers_in_inverted_organic_photovoltaics_by_XPS_and_DFT_studies
Dear Ewelina Krawczak ,
I used to make DSSC during my undergraduate internship, and it started from:
1: cutting the FTO glass, drilling small holes for infusing the electrolyte
2: wash the FTO pieces
3: Treat the FTO to be printed with titania with TiCl4 (refer to Article The Effect of Titanium (IV) Chloride Surface Treatment to En...
)4: Print the silver contacts on the FTO pieces
5: Print using the titania paste
6: 2nd TiCl4 treatment to improve the printed titania
7: (Separate FTO) Print the counter electrode material
8: Sinter the FTO with the printed materials
9: Photosensitizer uptake step for the FTO with sintered titania
10: Cell assembly and testing.
Details are available in Article Fabrication of screen-printing pastes from TiO2 powders for ...
I read that you are looking at a spin coating method to deposit the titania. I suppose you can do that, but the recommendation from Greatcell's page has recommendations on the screen mesh number (https://www.greatcellsolarmaterials.com/18nr-t-transparent-titania-paste.html#:~:text=Greatcell%20Solar%20Materials'%2018NR%2DT%20Transparent%20Titania%20Paste%20has%20highly,or%20above%20500%C2%B0C.)
You may want to check the thickness of the deposited titania layer after sintering, so that you do not exceed the recommended thicknesses, which can have an impact on the cell performance. Hope this helps!
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