Inkjet-Printing of TiO2 Co-Solvent Ink: From Uniform Ink-Droplet to TiO2 Photoelectrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

We have investigated the inkjet-printing of TiO 2 films for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In order to realize the uniform printing of TiO 2 films, the co-solvent ink was designed by introducing a drying agent to the ink. This co-solvent ink induces a circulating flow within ink droplets and leads to the uniform lines and films by inkjet. A theoretical model was used to predict the optimal ink-droplet pitches for the inkjet-printing of uniform lines. This model also contributes to the formation of uniform films since they are filled with the inkjet-printed lines. The inkjet-printed TiO 2 films were used as photoelectrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. The thickness of the inkjet-printed Ti0 2 films was varied to optimize the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs. Since no organic additives were introduced into the TiO 2 inks, the feasibility of reducing the annealing temperature for TiO 2 photoelectrodes was investigated. This study may suggest an opportunity to fabricate DSSCs at low temperature.

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