NiO nanoparticles prepared by the sol-gel method for a dye sensitized solar cell applications

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to synthesized NiO nanostructures by sol-gel method and characterized them for use in dye sensitized solar cells. For this purpose, a paste prepared from nanoparticles was prepared and screen printed on a glass substrate with the FTO layer. Design/methodology/approach: Nickel oxide nanoparticles was synthesized with participation of nickel (II) nitrate hexahydrate and citric acid. The prepared nanopowder has been subjected to structural analysis using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) images were taken with a Zeiss Supra 35. Qualitative studies of chemical composition were also performed using the Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). The structure of nickel oxide was investigated by X-ray crystallography. An average crystallite size were calculated using Scherrer method and Williamson-Hall analysis. Light harvesting efficiency LHE was calculated from measured absorbance. Findings: The uniform nickel oxide nanoparticles with spherical shape were successfully produced by sol-gel method. The diameter of the as prepared nanoparticles does not exceed 25 nm which is confirmed by the XRD and TEM analysis. The light harvesting efficiency of the electrode in the entire studied range it’s over 90%. Therefore the NiO can be an attractive alternative to the most commonly used TiO2. Research limitations/implications: The next step in the research will be to investigate the ZnO/NiO composite on the properties of the photoelectrode of dye sensitized solar cell. Practical implications: The unique properties of produced NiO nanostructural materials have caused their interest in such fields as medicine, transparent electronics and photovoltaics. Originality/value: The NiO nanoparticles were prepared using sol-gel method and then effectively used in the photoanode of dye sensitized solar cell.