Improved Voltage and Fill Factor by Using Zinc Oxide Thin Film as a Barrier Layer in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A series of dye-sensitized solar cells based on ZnO-modified TiO₂ nano-porous films have been prepared. The current--voltage characteristics of the cells show that the ZnO-modification can improve the open-circuit voltage and the fill factor but can decrease the short-circuit current. Dark current and transient photovoltage measurements are used to study the back reaction. It is indicated that the recombination process is suppressed by blocking the hole transporting from the nano-porous TiO₂ since the surface of the semiconductor is almost fully covered with ZnO as a barrier layer.