TiO2-nanotube-based dye-sensitized solar cells containing fluorescent material.

We fabricated a dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) with TiO2 nanotube arrays obtained by anodization of Ti foil. Vertical structure of TiO2 nanotube arrays is very attractive due to a high electron transfer from dye to electrode. To improve the power conversion efficiency, fluorescent material, F-6377, was applied in TiO2-nanotube-based DSCs to use a light spectrum efficiently. Fluorescent material was absorbed the different wavelength of 460 nm from the light absorbed by N719 dye. Fluorescent material to emit the absorbed light energy provided an additional light for dye in DSCs and additional electrons was generated. Thickness of TiO2 nanotube arrays grown by anodic oxidation was 15 microm. N719 dye and 13(-)/l(-) electrolyte were used to fabricate the DSCs. The short circuit current densities (J(sc)) and the power conversion efficiency in DSCs with fluorescent were 10.8 mA/cm2 and 2.48%, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was observed to understand an electron transfer and life time.