Synthesis and structyre-property correlation in shape-controlled ZnO nanoparticles prepared by chemical vapor synthesis and their application in dye-sensitized solar cells

Revathi R. Bacsa, Jeannette Dexpert-Ghys, Marc Verelst, Andrea Falqui, Bruno Machado, Wolfgang S. Bacsa, Peter Chen, Shaik M. Zakeeruddin, Michael Graetzel, Philippe Serp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

76 Scopus citations

Abstract

Here, the large scale synthesis of nanocrystalline ZnO spheres and tetrapods in the size range of 8-40 nm by chemicai vapor synthesis using zinc metal as precursor is described. A detailed study of the effect of experimental parameters on the morphology and yield is presented. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of the tetrapods show trust they are formed by the self assembly of four nanorods in the vapor phase. The tetrapods have optical absorption coefficients that are one order of magnitude greater than the spheres and show intense UV luminescence whereas the spheres show only the green emission. The observed differences in the optical properties are related to the presence of surface defects present in the nanospheres. The tetrapods have increased effciencies for application in dye sensitized solar ceils when compared to spheres.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)875-886
Number of pages12
JournalAdvanced Functional Materials
Volume19
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 24 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • General Chemistry
  • Biomaterials
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrochemistry

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