Fabrication of stable electrospun TiO₂ nanorods for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells

TiO₂ multi-electrodes composed of nanoparticles and nanorods were prepared for use as electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) in an effort to improve the light-to-electricity conversion efficiency. TiO ₂ nanorods have been successfully prepared via electrospinning methods using a solution containing titanium isopropoxide (TIP). Acetic acid is generally used as a catalyst in sol-gel processes involving TIP; however, acetic acid induces rapid solidification of the sol solution, resulting in clogging of the nozzle during electrospinning, thereby hindering the mass production of TiO₂ nanorods. In this work, we introduced acetyl acetone as a new catalyst and optimized the electrospinning conditions of TiO₂ nanofibers. The use of acetyl acetone catalysts dramatically extended the solidification time of the TIP sol solution. The DSSC efficiency was improved through the use of TiO₂ multi-electrodes. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]