Effect of ZnO Nanoparticle Properties on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance

Wong, Ka Kan; Ng, Annie; Chen, Xin Yi; Ng, Yip Hang; Leung, Yu Hang; Ho, Kam Hong; Djurišić, Aleksandra B.; Ng, Alan Man Ching; Chan, Wai Kin; Yu, Lihong; Phillips, David Lee

doi:10.1021/am201424d

Cited by 98 publications

(50 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…On the other hand, ZnO in powder form and with nanometric dimensions presents a great potential for its application in solar cells [4], photocatalysts [5], varistors [6], and gas sensors [7], among others. There are multiple synthesis techniques for producing ZnO nanoparticles, which determine the dimensions and morphologies of the particles.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Synthesis of ZnO Nanopowders by the Homogeneous Precipitation Method: Use of Taguchi’s Method for Analyzing the Effect of Different Variables

Herrera-Rivera

Olvera

Maldonado

2017

Journal of Nanomaterials

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In the present work the effect of different factors in the synthesis of ZnO powders by the homogeneous precipitation method is analyzed. A robust statistical technique, Taguchi's method, was used to reduce the experiments number. The variables studied were precursor, solvent and precipitating agent type, Zn molar concentration, percentage of saturation, speed and time of agitation, and temperature of synthesis. In order to optimize the particle size, an experimental design of 18 trials was proposed, according to L 18 Taguchi array. Structural and morphological properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques (SEM and TEM). The estimated crystallite size in synthesized samples ranged from 32 to 57 nm. The morphologies obtained presented several forms, such as spheres, wires, flowers, bars, and tetrahedrons, with a particle size variation of 35 to 165 nm. In this work it is shown that using a statistical experimental design leads us to a fast and reliable optimization of the synthesis parameters for obtaining small size ZnO nanoparticles, thus optimizing time and human and materials resources.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Synthesis of ZnO Nanopowders by the Homogeneous Precipitation Method: Use of Taguchi’s Method for Analyzing the Effect of Different Variables

Herrera-Rivera

Olvera

Maldonado

2017

Journal of Nanomaterials

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“…The active layer films of the DSSCs were prepared by screen-printing the active layer paste on FTO glass substrates (Nippon Sheet Glass, resistance 14 ohm.sq). 26 The paste was prepared by mixing 0.45 g pure ethyl cellulose (EC, SigmaAldrich) powders, which contained 55 wt % EC of viscosity 5-15 mPas and 45 wt % of EC with viscosity 30-50 mPas, with 0.5 g ZnO nanoparticles and 3.6 g of α-terpineol (anhydrous, 90%, Sigma-Aldrich). 26,27 The paste was then stirred and sonicated by hand.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Both surface properties and bulk properties would have an effect on the carrier injection, transfer and recombination which would significantly the performance in both cases. Therefore we have revisited our previous work on DSSCs 26 and performed experiments on photocatalysis behavior to study their relationships with PL emission. Other properties such as surface area and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation are also included and their effect on the performances is discussed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of defects in ZnO nanomaterials on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cell and photocatalytic activity

Guo

Liu

et al. 2013

Oxide-Based Materials and Devices IV

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ZnO as a wide band gap semiconductor is of significant interest for various applications, including dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. For DSSC, although the performance of ZnO-based devices is generally inferior to TiO 2 -based ones, it is still of interest due to its high electron mobility. While the relationship between the material and the device performance are complicated, many studies have been focused on morphologies and surface area of the nanomaterials. The studies of the effect of the material properties such as the types and concentrations of native defects on the DSSC performance have been scarce. For photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, many reports showed ZnO has a higher or similar efficiency compared to the commonly used TiO 2 . Reports have also pointed out the important role of native defects of ZnO in its photocatalytic activity. Nevertheless, the effect of the type and location of the defects has been contradictory in the literature indicating that there is a complex relationship.Therefore, we will discuss the effect of ZnO native defects on the dye adsorption, charge transport and hence the DSSC performance. We will also discuss their influence on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and photocatalytic dye degradation. As photoluminescence (PL) is a common methodology in studying native defects of ZnO, the relationship between PL, DSSC performance and photocatalytic properties will also be investigated. Preliminary results showed a higher overall PL intensity would result in a better device performance and higher photocatalytic activities.

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“…Transparent ZnO layer were prepared by putting double layers of ZnO paste using doctor blade method. Preparation of paste adopted by modifying the procedure reported by Wong et al [13] ZnO paste prepared using 0.2 g ZnO powder (Thomas Baker), 0.25 g ethyl cellulose (Chemphasol) and 1.5 g terpineol. Add excess amount of ethanol and keep stirring this paste still we get a smooth, uniform and lump free.…”

Section: A Photoanode Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eosin-Y (EY), Rose Bengal (RB) and EY-RB sensitized ZnO solar cells

Khadtare

Jadkar

Hui

et al. 2014

2014 International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference (IRSEC)

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Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have a significant potential as low cost and economically friendly technology. In these cells, the sensitizer is one of the key elements in achieving high power conversion efficiency. The design of optimal sensitizers, which combine broad visible light absorption with an excited state directionality for favorable electron-transfer dynamics, is a key issue in the development of DSSC.DSSCs using combination of Eosin-Y and Rose Bengal dye achieved improved energy conversion efficiency with that of an individual DSSCs. Combined dye exhibits power conversion efficiency ∼ 1.74% which is better than individuals EY and RB dye. Combined dye enhances power conversion efficiency because of the enhancement in absorption from the dyes.

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Effect of ZnO Nanoparticle Properties on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance

Cited by 98 publications

References 45 publications

Synthesis of ZnO Nanopowders by the Homogeneous Precipitation Method: Use of Taguchi’s Method for Analyzing the Effect of Different Variables

Synthesis of ZnO Nanopowders by the Homogeneous Precipitation Method: Use of Taguchi’s Method for Analyzing the Effect of Different Variables

Influence of defects in ZnO nanomaterials on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cell and photocatalytic activity

Eosin-Y (EY), Rose Bengal (RB) and EY-RB sensitized ZnO solar cells

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