Enhanced electron injection/transportation by surface states increment in mesoporous TiO2 dye-sensitized solar cells

A strategy of surface modification to the mesoporous TiO2 photoanode with hydrochloric acid treatment was used in this study, and it was found that short circuit current and photovoltaic efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were increased by 5.5% and 8.9% respectively. The improvement was attributed to the reduced impedances in the TiO2 film and at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface. It was showed that the increased surface electronic states could remarkably prolong electron lifetime, which was responsible for the reduction of impedances. Under these quasi-continuous states in mesoporous structure, the electron injection/transportation can be notably facilitated, which will be beneficial for the DSSC performance.