LOW TEMPERATURE TIO2 SYNTHESIS STRATEGIES FOR FLEXIBLE DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS ON CONDUCTIVE POLYMER SUBSTRATES

Abstract

The idea of creating flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using plastic substrates instead of traditional glass substrates has recently emerged as a significant topic in the field of photovoltaics. One of the primary challenges in creating these DSSCs using plastic substrates is generating TiO2 nanoparticles at low temperatures. This article reviews a variety of low-temperature sintering methods, such as chemical sintering, hydrothermal treatment, microwave irradiation, and compression techniques, for fabricating TiO2 films on conductive plastic substrates below 150℃. Strategies for producing TiO2 pastes without organic surfactants as binders are also discussed. The DSSC structure and mechanism of operation, as well as the roles of its three main components, are included. The article concludes by reviewing the current advancements in large-scale flexible DSSC module fabrication and their endurance. The significant benefit of using flexible substrates for cost-effective and mass-produced photovoltaics that fulfill diverse application requirements is highlighted. The results of various manufacturing techniques showed comparable efficiency for DSSCs fabricated using flexible substrates and those made on glass substrates.