The influence of surface treatment on dye-sensitized solar cells based on TiO2 nanofibers

To improve dye adsorption and conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on electrospun TiO 2 nanofibers, surface treatment combining acidification and oxygen plasma treatment has been adopted. TiO 2 nanofiber cell with a thickness of ∼50 μm gives a conversion efficiency ( PCE ) of 7.96%. After acidification, PCE is increased to 8.59%. Subsequently O 2 plasma treatment further improves the PCE to 9.33%, reflecting a 17% increase compared to the cell without surface treatment.