Premium
Molecular‐Scale Interface Engineering of Nanocrystalline Titania by Co‐adsorbents for Solar Energy Conversion
Author(s) -
Wang Mingkui,
Plogmaker Stefan,
HumphryBaker Robin,
Pechy Peter,
Rensmo Håkan,
Zakeeruddin Shaik. M.,
Grätzel Michael
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201100549
Subject(s) - x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , adsorption , dye sensitized solar cell , nanocrystalline material , dielectric spectroscopy , materials science , monolayer , chemical engineering , ruthenium , energy conversion efficiency , thiophene , molecule , photochemistry , chemistry , electrochemistry , nanotechnology , catalysis , organic chemistry , electrode , optoelectronics , electrolyte , engineering
Abstract The use of mixed self‐assembled monolayers, combining hydrophobic co‐adsorbents with the sensitizer, has been demonstrated to enhance the efficiency of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Herein, the influence of the anchoring groups of the co‐adsorbents on the performance of the DSCs is carefully examined by selecting two model molecules: neohexyl phosphonic acid (NHOOP) and bis‐(3,3‐dimethyl‐butyl)‐phosphinic acid (DINHOP). The effect of these co‐adsorbents on the photovoltaic performance ( J – V curves, incident photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiency) is investigated. Photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are performed to assess the spatial configuration of adsorbed dye and co‐adsorbent molecules. The photoelectron spectroscopy studies indicate that the ligands of the ruthenium complex, containing thiophene groups, point out away from the surface of TiO 2 in comparison with the NCS group.