Linking Bridge Improvement Of Zno/N719 Interfaces Via Ammonia Treatment For Efficiency Enhancement Of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Modifying the photoelectrodes is an interesting strategy for improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this study, ZnO films were surface-treated using an NH3 chemical vapor process. After appropriate treatment of the ZnO films, the PCE of the DSSCs was maximized at 2.77%, and the short-circuit current density (J(SC)) and open-circuit voltage (V-OC) were increased accordingly. These parameters were directly proportional to the dye-adsorption performance, which was enhanced by linking-bridge formation of a ZnO-N=dye complex. The complexes improved the ZnO/N719 dye interfaces and completed the dye adsorption; consequently, the J(SC) of the DSSC improved from 7.55 to 8.28 mA/cm(2) and the V-OC improved from 0.57 to 0.61 V. The linking bridge also facilitated electron transport and reduced the recombination. These effects synergistically enhanced the PCE of the DSSC. Moreover, the NH 3 vapor treatment did not significantly affect the morphology, shape, or crystalline structure of the ZnO film. Such a non-destructive post-treatment using the chemical vapor process can potentially realize low-cost, high-performance films for DSSCs and other advanced technologies.