Well‐crystallized Nb‐doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles are prepared by a novel synthetic route and successfully used as the photoanode of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The homogenous distribution of Nb in the TiO2 lattice is confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) elemental mapping and line‐scanning analyses. After Nb doping, the conductivity of the TiO2 powder increases, and its flat‐band potential (Vfb) has a positive shift. The energy‐conversion efficiency of a cell based on 5.0 mol% Nb‐doped TiO2 is significantly better, by about 18.2%, compared to that of a cell based on undoped TiO2. The as‐prepared Nb‐doped TiO2 material is proven in detail to be a better photoanode material than pure TiO2, and this new synthetic approach using a water‐soluble precursor provides a simple and versatile way to prepare excellent photoanode materials.
A new composite structure of TiO2|ZnO:Ti|ZnO effective for improving charge separation and electron transport is demonstrated for solar energy applications. A prototype material of hybrid TiO2/ZnO hollow spheres is prepared by a hydrated‐salt assisted solvothermal (HAS) strategy. This material is applied as a photocatalyst and an anode material for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Enhanced solar energy utilization efficiencies can be observed.
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