Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Inkjet-printed TiO2 nanoparticles from aqueous solutions for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

Cherrington, Ruth; Hughes, Darren J.; Senthilarasu, Sundaram; Goodship, Vannessa

Authors

Ruth Cherrington

Darren J. Hughes

Vannessa Goodship



Abstract

This work reports on the formulation of suitable ink for inkjet printing of TiO2 by investigating the critical parameters of particle size, pH, viscosity, and stability. Aqueous suspensions of TiO2 nanoparticles (Degussa, P25) were prepared with the addition of 25 wt % polyethylene glycol 400 as a humectant to minimize drying at the printer nozzles and reduce the likelihood of nozzle blockage. The inkjet-printed TiO2 layers were assembled into dye-sensitized solar cells. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics were measured under one sun (air mass 1.5, 100 mW cm−2) using a source meter (Model 2400, Keithley Instrument, Inc.), and the active area of the cell was 0.25 cm2. The inkjet-printed TiO2 photoanode produced a device with a short-circuit current (Isc) of 9.42 mA cm−2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.76 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.49, resulting in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.50 %.

Citation

Cherrington, R., Hughes, D. J., Senthilarasu, S., & Goodship, V. (2015). Inkjet-printed TiO2 nanoparticles from aqueous solutions for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Energy Technology, 3(8), 866-870. https://doi.org/10.1002/ente.201500096

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Jun 29, 2015
Publication Date 2015-08
Deposit Date Mar 14, 2023
Publisher Wiley-VCH Verlag
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 3
Issue 8
Pages 866-870
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/ente.201500096
Keywords dye-sensitized solar cells, inkjet printing, photovoltaics, solution processing, titanium dioxide