Enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cells by omnidirectional antireflective coatings

Organically modified silica (ORMOSIL)-coated dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with improved energy conversion efficiency are demonstrated. ORMOSIL-coated DSSC surfaces exhibit omnidirectional low reflectivity over a broad range of wavelengths (400-800 nm). The short-circuit current density (J(SC)) is enhanced up to 23% at normal incidence (theta = 0 deg) as a result of ORMOSIL coating. In addition, J(SC) enhancement is even higher at larger angles of incidence; 84% enhancement was observed at theta = 30 deg. Moreover, ORMOSIL coating is superhydrophobic with a contact angle of 155 deg. (C) 2015 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)