A new architecture for solar cells involving a metal bridge deposited between active TiO2 particles

Abstract

The efficiency of titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based film solar cells fabricated by combined spray and electroplating methods was improved by forming metal bridges in the pores between TiO2 nanoparticles. The interfaces between TiO2 nanoparticles and metal bridges formed Schottky contacts, which minimized recombination of electron-hole pairs and increased electron transfer. A maximum efficiency of 4.38% was achieved for cells plated at 50 mA and 55 °C. This efficiency is higher than that reported for solar cells with a similar structure [Saehana et al., AIP Conf. Proc. 1284, 154 (2010); 1415, 163 (2011); IJBAS/IJENS 11, 15 (2011)]. We also identified that both current and temperature influence the morphology of the metal bridges and efficiency of the solar cell.