Application of microcracked columnar TiO2 thin films deposited by DC hollow cathode plasma jet in dye-sensitized solar cells

The deposition of nanostructured thin films with specific optical properties is of great importance for solar cell technology. In this work, the authors used a direct current hollow cathode plasma jet with a supporting anode to deposit highly microcracked columnar titanium dioxide thin films. For diagnostics of the morphology and crystalline structure of the films, they used scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction methods. The light-harvesting ability of the films was tested in dye-sensitized solar cells at the AM 1.5 G conditions, where TiO2 was used as the photoelectrode. Photovoltaic tests were performed using platinum counter electrodes and an N719 dye-sensitizer. The effect of microcracks on the conversion efficiency and angular response of solar cells was discussed.