Preparation of TiO2/bamboo-charcoal-powder composite particles and their applications in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

This study investigates the applicability of an electrode of TiO2/bamboo-charcol-powder composite particles in a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Bamboo charcoal (BC) was prepared from 3 to 4 years old Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) in a mechanical kiln at 500 °C for 1 h, and the bamboo charcoal powder (BCP) was then mixed with TiO2 (P-25) particles via the dry mixing method. The dye-covered electrode of TiO2 (P-25)/BCP composite particles was applied in a DSSC, and an I–V measurement system was used to measure the short-circuit photocurrent (Isc), the open-circuit photovoltage (Voc), and the power conversion efficiency (η) of the DSSC. The mass ratio of TiO2 to BCP and the average size of BCP substantially influenced the Isc and η of the DSSC. Interestingly, the η of the DSSC with a TiO2 (P-25)/BCP electrode (5.4%) substantially exceeds that of the conventional DSSC with a TiO2 (P-25) electrode (3.6%), which may be due to the fact that the TiO2 (P-25)/BCP electrode has a better capability of dye absorption.