Improvement of the Photovoltaic Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell by Using TiO2:CNT Nanocomposite Photoanode

TiO2–MWCNT nanocomposite films containing various percentages of multi-wall carbon nanotubes were coated on fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) conductive glass substrates by sol–gel dip coating technique. Dye-sensitized solar cells were assembled by using anodes made of these nanocomposite films, iodide/triiodide redox couple electrolyte and platinum coated FTO cathodes. Cells having TiO2–3wt.%MWCNT nanocomposite anode showed maximum solar-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 5.31%, which was 69% higher than conventional TiO2 solar cells. The enhancement of conversion efficiency was attributed to the increased electrical conductivity of the anode, decreased charge carrier recombination in the anode and decreased charge transport resistance at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface.