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TiO2@MgO core-shell film: Fabrication and application to dye-sensitized solar cells

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Wuhan University Journal of Natural Sciences

Abstract

In this study, TiO2@MgO core-shell film was obtained by using a simple chemical bath deposition method to coat a thin MgO film around TiO2 nanoparticles. The core-shell configuration was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Lattice fringes were observed for the TiO2 particles, and the MgO shell showed an amorphous structure, revealing a clear distinction between the core and shell materials. Applying the core-shell film as photoanode to the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), it shows a superior performance compared to the pure TiO2 electrode. Under the illumination of simulated sunlight (75 mW·cm−2), the short circuit photocurrent (J sc), the open circuit photovoltage (V oc), and the fill factor (f F) are 8.80 mA·cm−2, 646 mV, and 0.69, respectively, and the conversion efficiency (η) increased by 21.8% (from 4.32% to 5.26%) when dipping for optimum condition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Nano-Science and Technology, Huazhong Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, Hubei, China

    Bihui Li, Gang Lü, Lijuan Luo & Yiwen Tang

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  1. Bihui Li
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  2. Gang Lü
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  3. Lijuan Luo
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  4. Yiwen Tang
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Bihui Li or Yiwen Tang.

Additional information

Foundation item: Supported by Self-Determined Research Funds of Huazhong Normal University from the Colleges’ Basic Research and Operation of Ministry of Education (CCNU09A02011)

Biography: LI Bihui, female, Ph. D. candidate, research direction: preparation of nano-materials and their application.

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Li, B., Lü, G., Luo, L. et al. TiO2@MgO core-shell film: Fabrication and application to dye-sensitized solar cells. Wuhan Univ. J. Nat. Sci. 15, 325–329 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11859-010-0660-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11859-010-0660-4

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