Synthesis and characterization of Nb doped titania for dye sensitized solar cells

M. K. Siddiki, D. Munoz-Rojas, J. Oro, Jing J. Li, Q. Qiao, D. W. Galipeau, M. Lira-Cantu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report to reduce the recombination rate and photocatalytic activity in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by doping titania with a transition metal, Niobium (Nb). Nb doped titania (anatase) was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The synthesized powders were characterized by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and finally they were used as photoanodes in DSSCs. TGA analysis reveals the presence of negligible amount of organics along with moisture. XRD analysis confirms the anatase phase with the presence of very small amount of brookite but free from rutile. It also confirms the inclusion of niobium in anatase structure. Fullprof profile matching was carried out to determine unit cell parameters, cell volume and amount of impurities. UV-Vis absorption spectra of the thin films were found to redshift in 10% Nb doping samples compared to the undoped and 20% doped TiO2. DSSC devices using undoped TiO2, 10% doped TiO2 and 20% doped TiO 2 was fabricated and tested respectively. The results showed that Nb doped TiO2 leads to higher device efficiency than the undoped TiO2.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2009 34th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2009
Pages685-689
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
Event2009 34th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2009 - Philadelphia, PA, United States
Duration: Jun 7 2009Jun 12 2009

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Conference

Conference2009 34th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia, PA
Period6/7/096/12/09

Keywords

  • DSSC
  • FullProf profile matching
  • Hydrothermal synthesis
  • Titania anatase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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