TiO2 thin film encapsulated ZnO nanorod and nanoflower dye sensitized solar cells

The performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on ZnO nanorods and nanoflowers coated with thin shells of TiO2 thin film prepared by sol–gel deposition are described. It is found that shells act as insulating barriers that improve cell open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density. The superior performance of the ZnO–TiO2 core–shell cells is a result of a radial electron transport within each ZnO nanorods and nanoflowers that decreases the rate of recombination and percolation of the electron in these devices.