High-performance dye-sensitized solar cell using dimensionally controlled titania synthesized at sub-zero temperatures

Abstract

The subject of the current study is a concoct of anatase and rutile mixed phase titania synthesized at −40 °C and −10 °C.

Zinc Oxide–Titania Heterojunction‐based Solid Nanospheres as Photoanodes for Electron‐Trapping in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

“…The ZnO‐doped TiO 2 solid nanosphere films were used as photoanode layer in DSSCs fabricated as detailed in the Experimental Section . The ZnO‐doped TiO 2 solid nanosphere material was screen printed in the form of a paste and annealed resulting in a photoanode with thickness of ca.…”

Recent advances in ultra-low temperature (sub-zero to 100 °C) synthesis, mechanism and applications of titania (TiO2) nanoparticles

“…94,95 At low temperature, insightful modification in process temperature can produce controlled growth of nano TiO 2 . 8 Simple, easy, ambient temperature driven and additive-free synthesis protocols for the better quality of nano TiO 2 is a persuasive priority. Temperature is one of the significant factors which determine the nanostructure and physiochemical properties of TiO 2 .…”

“…Where at −40 °C (at low temperature in lower temperature condition), high growth rate has occurred with simultaneously high fast nucleation which promotes high defect and strain over grain boundaries and formed oval-shaped anatase crystals. 7,8 Different sizes of nano TiO 2 such as quantum, nano and bulk scale possess different properties. Electron transfer pathways, light guiding, and reactant diffusion are controlled in a better way in case of <100 nm TiO 2 nanoparticles.…”

“…Titanium dioxide is also known as titanium (IV) dioxide, titania or TiO 2 , E171 food colour or pigment white 6. 3,8,20,21 The application potential of this material was first widely identified after Fujishima and Honda discovered the photolysis of water by using TiO 2 as a photocatalyst. 30 The photo killing of few notorious bacteria such as E. coli, L. acidophilus, and S. cerevisiae by photocatalytic characteristic, further inhabiting the malignant (HeLa), biocompatible, environmentally friendly and huge potential for the emerging fields like solar cells, waterair remediation etc.…”

“…This further drove more attention for rigorous structural optimization efforts to achieve better applications. 8,12,44,45 Commercially, TiO 2 is applied in a widespread manner in different fields as a prevalent nanomaterial. 20 Importantly, external factors of the environment during the process (pressure and temperature) determine the structure of TiO 2 NPs, which ultimately decides its functional characteristics and usage.…”