Effect of surface modification by coating thioacetamide on the performance of ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells.

Using a pneumatic spray gun for a long-distance jet, we coated thioacetamide on the surface of ZnO. Thus, the adsorption capacity of N719 dyes greatly increased. The as-samples were characterised by linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. Results showed that the charge recombination resistance increased, which lowered the interface electron recombination rate between ZnO and the electrolyte and between the electrolyte and the dye. Finally, a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 8.28 ± 0.24% for ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]