Novel 1D TiO2 nanocones for proficient charge transfer in photovoltaic thin films

Abstract

Abstract Nanostructured material is one of the high profile class of materials giving rise to a wide range of applications, having remarkable structural and opto-electronic properties based on their dimensionalities. Energy exigency has resulted in the development of different nanostructured materials that contribute towards the use of renewable sources of energy. Recent bulletins propound that one-dimensional nanostructures are the most sought-after structures for photovoltaic cell fabrication. Among various metal oxides available, TiO2 is found to play a key-role owing to its wider band gap, noxious and marked down price. Based on the previous reports, it has been understood that 1D nanocones provide faster charge transport when compared to 1D nanorods due to their anti-reflective property and reduced charge recombination. With this regard, we propose to synthesize TiO2 nanocones using hydrothermal method keeping the pH value neutral and investigate their crystallographic, morphological and optical and photoconduction properties. The X-Ray diffraction patterns of the as-prepared samples are found to be consistent with the standard tetragonal system of Rutile TiO2. HR-SEM gives a clear-cut image on the morphology of the synthesized samples with better specification on the impact of modification layer on FTO. The expanse of absorption of the samples in the ultra-violet dominion of the spectrum was given by UV-DRS analysis, thereby touting the band gap decrease in synergy with better electrical conductivity. Field dependent dark and photoconductivity studies revealed enhanced carrier transport properties inaccordance to electrical conductivity thus making a mark on the calibre of nanocone structures.