Sharif Digital Repository

We present a new TiO2 morphology, featuring high surface area and open structure, synthesized by a two-step chemical route for the manufacture of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This construct is sets of intertwined one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures (i.e., nanotubes), so-called skein-like nanotubes (NTs). Such morphology is produced by a combination of TiC oxidation and hydrothermal processes. The mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles, as the product of TiC oxidation operation, is used as the precursor of hydrothermal process to grow the skein-like NTs. The effect of processing parameters of TiC oxidation and hydrothermal processes is studied. The skein-like morphology enables to eliminate the... 

Herein, we report a new strategy for improving the efficiency and reducing the fabrication cost of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) by elimination of the three- or four-fold layer deposition of TiO2. This is performed by replacing a single layer deposition of mesoporous TiO2 beads, with sub-micrometer size, high surface area and tunable pore size, synthesized by a combination of sol-gel and solvothermal methods. Furthermore, superior electronic properties gained by a reduction in electronic trap states are achieved through doping of pristine TiO2 beads with lithium. The beads have a spherical shape with monodispersed texture consisting of anatase-TiO2 nanocrystals and ultra-fine pores. The...