Influence of TiO2 layer thickness on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells: theoretical investigations

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are rapidly becoming an advantageous option for solar energy harvesting. In order to optimize DSSC performance and durability, a deeper understanding of properties is required, and detailed investigations over each device component must be conducted. This paper focuses on DSSC performance as a function of TiO2 layer thickness. Monte Carlo simulations of free electron diffusion through several widths of TiO2 were executed, which allowed the calculation of device performance parameters, such as maximum power yield, fill-factor, and power-conversion efficiency, as functions of TiO2 layer thickness.