Facile Bioanchoring Strategy for the Preparation of Hierarchical Multiple Structured ZnO Crystals and Its Application as a Photoanode in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a facile bioanchoring strategy for controlling the crystal growth process of ZnO crystals during calcination to form hierarchical multiple structures. Crystalline phase and morphology of ZnO was investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Results revealed the evolution of ZnO nanocrystallites from nanosize to hierarchical self-assembly of polydispersed microstructures of bars/sheets/spheres/hollow spheres in wurzite hexagonal phase. ZnO exhibited photoluminescence attributed to the presence of various defects which was further supported by Raman spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. On the basis of the various experimental results, a plausible growth mechanism for the formation of multiple structures of ZnO crystals is proposed. Further demonstrated is the application of the polydispersed submicrometer sized ZnO crystals as photoanode in dye sensitized solar cells for improving the power conversion efficiency (∼5.3%) through high dye loading and enhanced light absorption edge via inherent light reflection mechanism.

Facile strategy for the fabrication of efficient nonvolatile bistable memory devices based on polyvinylcarbazole–zinc oxide

“…Figure 2a shows the XRD patterns of ZnO, which exhibited sharp peaks at 2u ¼ 32, 34.4, 36.3, 47.5, 56.5, 62.9, 66.3, and 67.88. These peaks are assigned to the ZnO crystal structure with miller indices (100), (002), (101), (102), (110), (103), (200) (112), and (201) confirms the formation of ZnO in wurzite hexagonal phase [40]. Figure 2b shows the XRD pattern of PVK it exhibited two peaks at 2u ¼ 8 and 20.88 with d-spacing of 4.2, 10.8 Ar evealed face-to-face ordered structure of PVK [48].…”

“…The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure at 40 °C. Further, the prepared zinc oxide was calcined at 800 °C .…”

“…Weak bluish green emission observed at 457 nm and strong emission at 512 nm probably originated from the defects state of ionized oxygen vacancy. The broad yellow emission peak observed at 682 nm can be attributed to the presence of a large amount of oxygen and zinc interstitial defects [40].…”

Green Solid Ionic Liquid Crystalline Electrolyte Membranes with Anisotropic Channels for Efficient Li‐Ion Batteries

“…[1][2][3] Albeit lithium batteries have a major dependence on the performance of electrodes, it is often demonstrated that electrolytes do limit the voltage window, charge transport, and conductivity and thereby the corresponding energy density, power density, and cycle life of the energy storage systems. [32][33][34] Also, we have recently studied the synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of ammonium and imidazolium-based ionic liquid crystalline materials derived from cardanol. But the leakage of volatile and toxic liquid electrolytes upon crimping the cell or during full paper domains and channels of 1D, 2D, and 3D ordered type are expected to facilitate the shuttling of Li + ions during charge and discharge process.…”

“…3‐pentadecyl phenol (cardanol), a commonly known biowaste from cashew nut shell processing industries is bestowed with the unique structure of long alkyl chain substituted phenol. Recently, we have reported several derivatives of this molecule, which were applied for the preparation of coatings, adhesives, liquid crystalline templates, and as dopants for the preparation of nanostructured conducting polymers . Also, we have recently studied the synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of ammonium and imidazolium‐based ionic liquid crystalline materials derived from cardanol .…”