Rheology and Optimization of Titania Paste for Dye-sensitized Solar Cell

Abstract

Preparation of titania/water paste for the electrode of dye-sensitized solar cell was examined. The dispersion mechanism of titania powder was related to both pH and viscosity of the paste in view of rheology. It can be concluded that lower pH than that of pzc (point zero charge) is necessary to keep on the highly dispersed state of titania powder in the paste. In the meanwhile, such a well-dispersed paste has very low viscosity, which are unsuitable for making a thick titania film. Therefore various kinds of additives as a thickener have also been studied.