Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for enhanced photocurrent in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

The new nanocrystalline composition was synthesized using NiSO 4 and MoO 3 and PPDA (p-phenylenediamine) via the hydrothermal method. The structure, morphology and photoluminescence property of nanocrystal were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTA) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The effect of factors such as type and concentration of initial materials, pH values, temperature and reaction duration on the structure and morphology of nanocrystals was investigated in the preparation of composition. The results show that the pH of the initial solution affects the size of the prepared nanocrystals; the size of the crystals is increased and the morphology of the nanostructures is changed with the increment in pH value. According to the obtained results, neutral or low alkaline conditions of pH are more favorable for the formation of the nanocrystals. The obtained nanocrystal shows an intense PL emission at room temperature with a maximum peak at 461 nm and excitation at the wavelength of 300 nm. TGA and DTA analysis display a total weight loss of 13.42%.

Comparison of Photocatalytic Efficiency of TiO2 and In2S3 Thin Films under UV and Visible Light Irradiance

“…This viscous paste was then coated on the glass substrate by doctor blading using a glass rod. The film was then heated at 100°C for 1 hour followed by sintering at 450°C for 30 min [20]. The thickness of the TiO2 film is about 17 μm.…”

The Impact of Nanomaterials on Fabrication Silicon Solar Cells by Pulsed Laser Deposition

“…Figure (11) shows the FTIR spectra of MWCNTs, it shows peaks related to (C=C) aromatic ring stretching at a wavenumber of around 1639.38 (cm -1 ). Also, the MWCNTs are showing a broad peak at 3564.21-3272.98 (cm -1 ), which refers to the (O-H) stretch regarding hydroxyl group groups, that might be due to oscillation of carboxyl [25,26].…”

Graphene Nanoplatelets–Nickel Nanoparticles Hybrid Counter Electrodes for Low-Cost and Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Substantial efforts have been devoted to replacing the Pt-CE with conducting polymers, 5 transitionmetal carbides and nitrides, 6 hybrid and composite materials, 7,8 and carbonaceous materials. [9][10][11][12] Among them, nanostructured carbonaceous materials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, and mesoporous carbon, have attracted broad attention because of their low cost, high natural abundance, nontoxicity, and high specific surface area. 2,[9][10][11][12] In particular, graphene, a one-atom-thick planar sheet of sp 2 -bonded carbon atoms, has attracted broad interest as a CE material in DSSCs.…”

“…[9][10][11][12] Among them, nanostructured carbonaceous materials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, and mesoporous carbon, have attracted broad attention because of their low cost, high natural abundance, nontoxicity, and high specific surface area. 2,[9][10][11][12] In particular, graphene, a one-atom-thick planar sheet of sp 2 -bonded carbon atoms, has attracted broad interest as a CE material in DSSCs. 2 This interest stems from its excellent electronic properties that arise from the confinement of electrons in two-dimensions with a high specific surface area and excellent chemical stability.…”