In situ topological transformation of hierarchical TiO2 hollow nanobricks as efficient scattering layer for dye-sensitized solar cells

NH 4 TiOF 3 nanobricks are prepared by a one-step hydrothermal route and then are made into paste. The NH 4 TiOF 3 are in situ topologically transformed into anatase TiO 2 hollow nanobricks via a boric acid treatment process after the paste is screen-printed onto FTO glass as a scattering layer for DSSCs . The cell with scattering layer exhibits a high photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 8.09%, which is 24.8% higher than that of the cell composed of bare nanocrystalline TiO 2 (6.48%). After a series of characterization, the higher specific surface area and the superior light-scattering ability of hierarchical TiO 2 hollow nanobricks are proved to be the main facts for the enhanced efficiency.