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