Quasi-Photonic Crystal Effect of TiCl₃/Electrolyte Matrix in Unipolar Dye–Absorber Devices

Effectiveness of TiCl3 pre- and post-treatments on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and interfacial charge-transfer properties were investigated. It was confirmed that a yield of current collection was strongly dependent on the position of the TiCl3/electrolyte matrix in the DSC configuration. The interfacial charge-transfer properties were studied using thermionic emission-diffusion process and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. The TiCl3/electrolyte matrix was considered to be a three-dimensional quasi-photonic crystal with a photonic band gap, which reinforces electric field and facilitates current collection from the TiCl3/electrolyte matrix to the FTO by accelerating electron motion, whereas the potential barrier blocks current collection from the TiO2 bulk region to the FTO and decreases current.