Nanofibrous-like ZnO layers deposited by magnetron sputtering and their integration in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

We present a cost-effective and fast fabrication of nanofibrous ZnO layers by the magnetron sputtering method. The as-prepared layers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and optical studies. The nanofibrous layers show good structural properties offering an excellent nanomaterial for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) application. Their integration for solar energy conversion is studied by photocurrent–voltage (J–V) measurement, impedance spectroscopy and the developed DSSC structure exhibits promising performances. This Letter provides a technological route to the facile growth of zinc oxide nanofibrous layers through magnetron sputtering, which have several potential applications.