Perforated BaSnO3 nanorods exhibiting enhanced efficiency in dye sensitized solar cells

Here, we report the synthesis of phase pure perforated porous BaSnO3 (BSO) nanorods and their application as an alternative photoanode in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). BaSnO3, synthesized using different amounts of dextran, has been characterized through various physicochemical techniques to understand the effect of dextran in controlling its morphology. The porous morphology of the rod facilitated enhanced N719 dye loading capability within a very short duration of 20 min. The dye adsorption behavior of the nanorod has been monitored through UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. Further, as an alternative photoanode, a DSSC of active area 0.2826 cm2 fabricated with the porous BaSnO3 exhibited a maximum efficiency of 4.31% with a significantly high VOC of 0.82 V whereas, after TiCl4 treatment, the same cell exhibited an enhanced efficiency of 6.86% under 1 sun AM 1.5. On the basis of our results, we are able to establish porosity as an important factor in reducing the time required for effective dye adsorption which will be highly beneficial for technology development.