Layer-by-layer self assembly fabrication of nanoparticulated TiO2 hollow fibers as light catteres in dye-sensitized solar cells

Hollow TiO2 fibres with controllable wall thicknesses were fabricated by layer-by-layer self assembly (LbL) method. The hollow tubular geometry as well as the nanoparticulated structure resulted in high BET surface area suitable for photocatalytic or dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Unlike LbL on flat surface, LbL with low molecular weight polyelectrolyte on cotton resulted in two-times higher deposition of nanoparticles and therefore thicker fibres By increasing the number of dip cycles, there is a minimum in BET surface area which has been discussed on the base of fibre’s wall thickness and wrinkling. Adding various percent of fibres to the top layer of DSSCs showed up to 8% increase in the efficiency.

Keywords:

Dye-sensitized solar cell , layerlayer-by-layer self assembly , TiO2 , fibre , scattering