An Ultrasonication Based Facile Protocol to Synthesize Mesoporous Nanocrystalline TiO2 as Photo Anode for Application in Quantum Dot/Perovskite Sensitized Solar Cell

摘要

Quality of the photo-electrode films employed in the fabrication of Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells (QDSSC) or Perovskite solar cells depends on the quality of dispersion used in preparing these films. The dispersion should be stable and free from aggregations in order to make transparent electrodes. Herein, we discuss one of the most facile and simple methods for fabrication of mesoporous transparent titania as a photo-electrode by using different organic additives through a step wise ultrasonication. The changes that took place in the dispersion were analyzed through each step of the protocol with the help of zeta potential along with discussing the role of each additive used in the protocol. The effective size of the particle in dispersion was determined. The prepared paste was further characterized using Thermo Gravimetric Analysis to understand thermal stability of its constituents. Structural analysis of photo-electrode film was done using Transmission Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and x-ray Diffractometry. Optical absorption studies were employed to determine the band gap of the material. Photocurrent density versus photovoltage curves were also studied in order to evaluate the photovoltaic performance of the fabricated photo-electrode after assembling a QDSSC using the prepared photo-electrode.