Solution processable titanium dioxide precursor and nanoparticulated ink: application in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are crucial for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs).
• Stabilizing TiO2 nanoparticles in colloidal dispersions is essential for fabricating efficient electrodes.
• Developing cost-effective and scalable synthesis methods for TiO2 nanomaterials is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize colloidal anatase TiO2 nanoparticles stabilized by 3,6,9-trioxadecanoic acid (TODA).
• To fabricate mesoporous TiO2 photoanodes for DSSCs using the synthesized nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs incorporating these novel photoanodes.

Main Methods:

• Low-temperature synthesis of 4-8 nm TiO2 anatase nanoparticles using water and ethanol.
• Characterization using ATR-FTIR and (1)H NMR to confirm TODA stabilization via hydrogen bonds.
• Fabrication of mesoporous TiO2 electrodes via doctor blade technique and soft thermal treatment (140 °C).

Main Results:

• Homogeneous and stable colloidal dispersions of TiO2 nanoparticles were achieved.
• The TODA ligand was effectively removed by UV irradiation or low-temperature annealing.
• Mesoporous TiO2 electrodes (6 μm thickness) were successfully fabricated.
• Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) with these electrodes and N3 dye achieved 5.6% power conversion efficiency.

Conclusions:

• 3,6,9-trioxadecanoic acid (TODA) effectively stabilizes TiO2 nanoparticles, enabling stable colloidal dispersions.
• Soft post-treatment methods allow for easy removal of the capping ligand, facilitating electrode fabrication.
• The fabricated mesoporous TiO2 electrodes show promise for application in DSSCs, achieving notable photovoltaic performance.