Full-stainless steel mesh dye-sensitized solar cells based on core-shell ZnO/TiO2 nanorods

Abstract

We report fabrication and photovoltaic properties of flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs) based on stainless steel mesh (SSM)-supported core-shell ZnO/TiO2 nanorods photoanode and Pt nanoparticles- coated SSM counter electrode (Pt/SSM CE). The core-shell ZnO/TiO2 structures were prepared via simple chemical bath deposition, and optimal conversion efficiency of 2.84% was achieved. When aluminum foil membrane was introduced on the back of the FDSSCs as reflecting film (Rf) for improving utilization of sunlight, the conversion efficiency of FDSSCs was increased from 2.84% to 3.12%. The relative improvement of 218% was achieved in conversion efficiency compared with similar device without TiO2 buffer layer and reflecting film (0.98%). Meanwhile, the Pt CE based on SSM possessed of higher catalytic ability and longer stability compared with ITO/PET-based Pt CE.