Abstract: TiO_2 pastes were prepared using P25 powders and ethanol systems, which were used to make TiO_2 films as photo anode by the method of doctor blade coating. Comparing poly-vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) with ethyl cellulose (M70) as film forming agents, it is discovered that the macro-and micro-structure of TiO_2 film using PVP has been improved, which mainly affects TiO_2 films porosities, surface area and dye adsorptions. PVP has played a significant role on the performances of dye-sensitized solar cells. As a result, short-circuit current increased from 5.59 mA/cm~2 to 11.31 mA/cm~2 and conversion efficiency increased from 2.70; to 5.31; under the standard AM1.5 irradiation condition.

Key words: TiO_2 pastes were prepared using P25 powders and ethanol systems, which were used to make TiO_2 films as photo anode by the method of doctor blade coating. Comparing poly-vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) with ethyl cellulose (M70) as film forming agents, it is discovered that the macro-and micro-structure of TiO_2 film using PVP has been improved, which mainly affects TiO_2 films porosities, surface area and dye adsorptions. PVP has played a significant role on the performances of dye-sensitized solar cells. As a result, short-circuit current increased from 5.59 mA/cm~2 to 11.31 mA/cm~2 and conversion efficiency increased from 2.70; to 5.31; under the standard AM1.5 irradiation condition.