TiO2 nanorod arrays modified with SnO2-Sb2O3 nanoparticles and application in perovskite solar cell

• Published in: Thin solid films Vol. 621; pp. 6 - 11
• Main Authors: Li, Yanmei, Zhang, Qingsong, Niu, Laiyou, Liu, Juan, Zhou, Xingfu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Perovskite solar cell; Photocurrent; Rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays; SnO2-Sb2O3; Perovskite solar cell; Photocurrent; SnO2-Sb2O3; Rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays
• ISSN: 0040-6090; 1879-2731
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2016.10.058

Compared with the poor electron conducting ability of rutile TiO2, materials such as SnO2-Sb2O3 composite have excellent electron mobility. Here, we report the synthesis of rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays grown on FTO substrate through a mild one-pot hydrothermal method. TiO2 nanorod arrays were then modified with SnO2-Sb2O3 composite by spin coating technology. The morphology and the structure were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). EIS measurement shows that the transfer resistance of the electrons is greatly reduced, while the UV–Vis diffuses reflectance spectra and the corresponding optical bandgaps measured by Tauc plots indicate that the energy gap of the modified TiO2 remains unchanged. Time-limited photocurrent response and IPCE both show that the solar cell using SnO2-Sb2O3 modified TiO2 shows improved photoelectric response. The solar cell optimized with SnO2-Sb2O3 has a higher photocurrent density and a higher fill factor, which leads to 7.7% conversion efficiency and a 19% increase when compared to the unmodified TiO2 nanorod arrays. •TiO2 nanorod was modified with SnO2-Sb2O3 to improve the electron mobility.•EIS measurement shows the electron transport resistance is greatly reduced.•The energy gap of the modified TiO2 remains unchanged.•SnO2-Sb2O3 modified TiO2 solar cell shows a 19% increase in conversion efficiency.