Doctor Blade Technique Research Articles

Supramolecular Anchoring of Fe(III) Molecular Redox Catalysts into Graphitic Surfaces Via CH‐π and π–π Interactions for CO2 Electroreduction

AbstractPhotoelectrochemical devices require solid anodes and cathodes for the easy assembling of the whole cell and thus redox catalysts need to be deposited on the electrodes. Typical catalyst deposition involves drop casting, spin coating, doctor blading or related techniques to generate modified electrodes where the active catalyst in contact with the electrolyte is only a very small fraction of the deposited mass. We have developed a methodology where the redox catalyst is deposited at the electrode based on supramolecular interactions, namely CH‐π and π–π between the catalyst and the surface. This generates a very well‐defined catalysts‐surface structure and electroactivity, together with a very large catalytic response. This approach represents a new anchoring strategy that can be applied to catalytic redox reactions in heterogeneous phase and compared to traditional methods involves about 4–5 orders of magnitude less mass deposition to achieve comparable activity and with very well‐behaved electroactivity and stability.

Preparation of the scattering layer based on SnO2 nanocrystals for dye sensitized solar cell application

Abstract In this work, SnO2 paste was prepared based on (0.1 and 0.12 g) of SnO2 nanoparticles. The SnO2 film was deposited using Screen printing and doctor blade techniques, which it employed as scattering layer in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC). The crystal structure, morphology, and thermal stability of the paste were investigated using XRD, FE-SEM, and TGA techniques. The DSSC parameters were achieved to examining the effect of scattering layer on performance of DSSC. The results showed a crystalline structure predominantly composed of rutile SnO2 crystals arranged in a tetragonal pattern, with individual crystallites measuring approximately 100 nanometers in size. SEM images depicted the surface of SnO2 resembling a sponge with fine pores facilitating dye adsorption and electron mobility. Moreover, a decrease in average particle size was observed with increasing dye concentration, with the average grain size of SnO2 particles being below 100 nanometers at lower dye concentrations. TGA measurements indicated a phase transition occurring around 400 °C.

Investigate the utilization of novel natural photosensitizers for the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer a promising route for sustainable energy conversion, with natural photosensitizers emerging as attractive alternatives to conventional synthetic dyes due to their abundant resources, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly materials. However, the efficiency of DSSC utilizing natural photosensitizer remains low. In this study, we investigate the utilization of novel natural photosensitizers extracted from gambier leaves, gambier branches, cinnamon, and petiole of tectona leaves, which contain flavonoids/tannins, chlorophyll, and anthocyanins, aiming to achieve high-performance DSSCs. Five different solvents—ethanol, isopropanol, distilled water, methanol, and Zamzam water—are explored to optimize the extraction process of the natural dyes. The doctor blade technique is employed to coat TiO2 nanomaterials onto ITO glass substrates. UV–Vis spectrophotometry and FTIR spectroscopy are used to characterize the optical properties and structural composition of the dyes, revealing that flavonoid/tannin groups are the primary compounds responsible for light harvesting. The DSSC performance is evaluated under a 30 W lamp, adjusted to light intensity of 10 mW/cm2. As a result, the DSSCs using gambier leaf extract as photosensitizer demonstrate the highest recorded efficiency of 4.71 %, with a Jsc of 2.95 mAcm−2 and a Voc of 0.64 V. These findings contribute to advancing DSSC technology by leveraging the potential of natural photosensitizers for sustainable energy conversion applications.

Optimized Nb‐Doped TiO2/rGO Nanocomposites for Assessment of Photovoltaic Performance With Metal‐Free Dye and Polymer Gel Electrolyte

AbstractThis research presents the development of niobium (Nb)‐doped titania (TiO2)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites (NTR NCs) for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The novelty lies in two aspects: introducing Nb (V) ions into TiO2/rGO nanocomposites via an in‐situ sol‐gel method with doping concentrations from 1.0 to 3.0 mol %, and fabricating photoanodes using the doctor blade technique, sensitized with a Co2+/Co3+‐based PEO‐PEG polymer gel electrolyte‐assisted D‐π‐A carbazole metal‐free (SK3) dye. Detailed investigations into the optoelectrical, structural, and morphological properties were conducted using various spectral and analytical tools. Notably, DSSCs based on Nb‐doped TiO2/rGO nanocomposites with 2.0 mol % Nb (NTR‐2) achieved a remarkable solar efficiency (η) of 5.48 % under AM 1.5 solar simulation, significantly outperforming devices based on bare TiO2 nanoparticles and undoped TiO2/rGO NCs by factors of 4.15 and 2.97, respectively. The substantial enhancement in photovoltaic performance is attributed to superior charge transfer properties and higher carrier density, as revealed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott‐Schottky (M–S) analysis. Nb‐doping results in an energetic surface nature, improved optical absorption, and reduced charge transfer resistance, collectively boosting the overall efficiency of DSSCs. This work underscores the potential of Nb‐doped TiO2/rGO NCs as effective photoanode materials in enhancing DSSC performance.

Supramolecular Anchoring of Fe(III) Molecular Redox Catalysts into Graphitic Surfaces Via CH-π and π-π Interactions for CO2 Electroreduction.

Photoelectrochemical devices require solid anodes and cathodes for the easy assembling of the whole cell and thus redox catalysts need to be deposited on the electrodes. Typical catalyst deposition involves drop casting, spin coating, doctor blading or related techniques to generate modified electrodes where the active catalyst in contact with the electrolyte is only a very small fraction of the deposited mass. We have developed a methodology where the redox catalyst is deposited at the electrode based on supramolecular interactions, namely CH-π and π-π between the catalyst and the surface. This generates a very well-defined catalysts-surface structure and electroactivity, together with a very large catalytic response. This approach represents a new anchoring strategy that can be applied to catalytic redox reactions in heterogeneous phase and compared to traditional methods involves about 4-5 orders of magnitude less mass deposition to achieve comparable activity and with very well-behaved electroactivity and stability.

CeO2/SWCNT nanocomposite coating: A novel approach for corrosion application

AbstractThe coatings were prepared by blending different concentrations of SWCNTs and CeO2 particles with an epoxy resin by hydrothermal method, which was then applied to the substrate through the doctor blade technique. The mixtures were transferred into a 1‐L capacity autoclave with a teflon‐lined flange type and subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 100°C for 3 h. The surface coatings were applied using a doctor blade. Subsequently, the coated materials were placed in an oven and dried for 12 h at 50°C under vacuum conditions. The samples' structural analysis was examined through x‐ray diffraction (XRD). XRD analysis verified the CeO2/SWCNT composite coating, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to assess the presence of functional groups. Thermodynamic properties and thermal stability of composite coatings that were modified with SWCNTs and CeO2 particles were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The impact of the CeO2/SWCNT composite on the anticorrosion capabilities of the epoxy coating was examined through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Nyquist curve, and Tafel slope characterization. Corrosion tests were conducted on the CeO2/SWCNT composite coatings in a 3.5 wt% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution at 25°C to improve corrosion resistance. The concentration of 0.4 wt% CeO2 was found to be optimal for achieving effective corrosion resistance. The composite coating CNT0.6‐C0.4 exhibited significantly higher Ecorr (−426 V) and lower Icorr (2.96 × 10−6 A cm−2) values compared to samples from the CNT0, CNT0.2, and CNT0.6 groups. The paper presents a viable solution with CeO2/SWCNT composite coating for the engineering application of corrosive‐inhibiting coatings.

Influence of Graphene on Sheet Resistivity and Urbach Enery of Nano TiO<sub>2</sub> for DSSC Electrode

Importance of renewable energy cannot be over emphasized. Titanium IV oxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) is the most suitable semiconductor for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) due to its chemical stability, non toxicity and excellent optoelectronic properties. In this research TiO<sub>2</sub> is coated on graphene to enhance its charge transport aiming to reduce recombination which is a main set back in DSSCs. undestanding graphene- TiO<sub>2 </sub>contact is therefore essential for DSSC application. TiO<sub>2</sub> thin films were deposited on single layer graphene (SLG) as well as on flourine tin oxide (FTO) using doctor blading technique. The films were annealed at rates of 2°C /min and 1°C/min up to a temperature of 450°C followed by sintering at this temperature for 30 minutes. Four point probe SRM-232 was used to measure sheet resistance of the samples. The film thickness were obtained from transmittance using pointwise unconstrained minimization approximation (PUMA). UV –VIS spectrophotometer was employed to measure transmittance. Resistivity of TiO<sub>2</sub> on both FTO and Graphene were of order 10<sup>-4</sup> Ωcm. However, TiO<sub>2</sub> annealed on graphene matrix exhibited a slightly lower resistivity 5.6 x10<sup>-4</sup> Ωcm as compared to 6.0x10<sup>-4 </sup>Ωcm on FTO. Optical transmittance on visible region was lower for TiO<sub>2</sub> on FTO than on SLG, 71.48% and 80.11% respectively. Urbach energy (Eu) for weak absorption region decreased with annealing rate. Urbach energies for 1°C/min TiO<sub>2 </sub>on FTO and SLG were 361 meV and 261meV respectively. This was used to account for decrease of disoders of films due to annealing. A striking relation between sheet resistivity and urbach was reported suggesting SLG as a suitable candidate for photoanode of a DSSC.

Freestanding Films of Reduced Graphene Oxide Fully Decorated with Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing.

Developing thin, freestanding electrodes that work simultaneously as a current collector and electroactive material is pivotal to integrating portable and wearable chemical sensors. Herein, we have synthesized graphene/Prussian blue (PB) electrodes for hydrogen peroxide detection (H2O2) using a two-step method. First, an reduced graphene oxide/PAni/Fe2O3 freestanding film is prepared using a doctor blade technique, followed by the electrochemical deposition of PB nanoparticles over the films. The iron oxide nanoparticles work as the iron source for the heterogeneous electrochemical deposition of the nanoparticles in a ferricyanide solution. The size of the PB cubes electrodeposited over the graphene-based electrodes was controlled by the number of voltammetric cycles. For H2O2 sensing, the PB10 electrode achieved the lowest detection and quantification limits, 2.00 and 7.00 μM, respectively. The findings herein evidence the balance between the structure of the graphene/PB-based electrodes with the electrochemical performance for H2O2 detection and pave the path for developing new freestanding electrodes for chemical sensors.

Defects induced SnOx-TiO2 nanocomposite thin films for improved visible light driven photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical applications

Advanced oxidative removal of organic pollutants from water bodies using nanoparticles of metal oxide photocatalysts is a concurrent hot topic. In the present study, SnOx-TiO2 heterogeneous nanocomposite thin film photocatalysts have been synthesized using SnO and TiO2 precursors by binder-free doctor blade technique. X-ray diffraction was used to confirm the presence of anatase TiO2 as a major phase at elevated temperatures. Raman spectra analysis confirmed phase transformation and defect induction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was utilized to determine the purity and chemical condition of the synthesized thin films. The porous nature of the thin film surface was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy results showed a reduction of bandgap from 3 eV to 2.6 eV with enhanced light absorption. The superior oxygen evolution reaction, redox nature and charge carrier generation were demonstrated using photo-electrochemical techniques. Improved photoresponse of the photocatalysts was observed using chrono-amperometry technique. The superior visible light-driven photocatalytic activity of the samples was demonstrated utilizing cationic and anionic model pollutant dyes. The reusability of the catalyst is ensured through successive photodecomposition processes. These results show a facile fabrication of defects induced heterogenous nanocomposite photocatalyst thin films with improved visible light activity.

Comparison of the mass composition of Coconut Shell in TiO2 towards its characterization for supercapacitor applications

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the mass ratio on the capacitance of electrodes made from TiO2-based composites. The composites were synthesized using a wet chemical method and applied using the doctor blade technique, incorporating TiO2 and rGO derived from coconut shell activated carbon. Our findings reveal that at a 1:1 mass ratio, the atomic composition of Ti and O was non-uniform, although there was evident adherence of TiO2 elements to the sample surface. In contrast, at mass ratios of 1:3 and 1:5, a decrease in the concentration of Ti atoms and an increase in O atoms were observed, indicating a reduction in Ti oxidation. SEM analysis further revealed that particle size significantly impacts capacitance: smaller particle sizes yielded higher capacitance. In the 1:1 mass variation, the discharge process was protracted, taking up to 29.3 minutes and generating an electrical energy of 0.000413 joules with a capacitance of 489 μF. These insights are pivotal for optimizing the composition and mass ratio, fostering the development of electrode materials characterized by enhanced capacitance and energy efficiency. Such advancements hold promising potential for a range of applications in the energy storage sector.

Enhancing capacitance performance of functional group assisted carbon quantum dots derived from turmeric plant waste

Supercapacitors have attracted significant attention in modern devices as a promising solution for electrical energy storage due to their remarkable capability to undergo rapid charge and discharge cycles. While various materials are employed in the construction of supercapacitors, carbon-based materials emerge as a predominant choice within the commercial realm. In present report, our intention is to develop an effective supercapacitor device derived from natural biomass. Therefore, we have synthesized water soluble, monodisperse and fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from turmeric leaves (Curcuma caesia) via a single step hydrothermal carbonization. Further, the doctor blade technique was employed to coat a layer of CQDs on stainless steel substrate using PVA as a binder. We observed the functional groups associated with QDs triggers the fast diffusion of ions and transmission of electrons with conducting substrate and electrolyte and thereby effectively charge and discharge mechanism. The supercapacitor based on carbon quantum dots (CQDs) based electrode exhibits exceptional performance characteristics with a remarkable specific capacitance of 468 F/g and highest energy density of 78.6 Wh/kg, superior to the values reported for most carbon-based supercapacitors. Further, we demonstrated the light dependent capacitive enhancement by depositing a thin P3HT layer over CQDs. Moreover, CQDs-based supercapacitor achieves a maximum power density of 733.2 W/kg when operated in a 1 M KOH electrolyte solution and an excellent capacitive retention of about 80 % even after 5000 cycles.

Investigating the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction of Hydrothermally Synthesized NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles

In this study, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal method at various pH values. The objective was to investigate the influence of pH variation on particle size and electrocatalytic activity. The formation of cubic phase nanoparticles was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. To characterize the electrochemical properties, the nickel ferrite nanoparticles were coated onto a stainless steel substrate using the doctor blade technique. The microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples were further analyzed using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The average crystallite size, determined from the XRD pattern, was approximately 40 nm. SEM images revealed a conversion from nanoplates to a granular morphology. The synthesized electrode exhibited an overpotential of 392 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and demonstrated good stability for 5 hours. These findings highlight the excellent electrocatalytic activity of nickel ferrite nanoparticles for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).

Bifunctional binder-free ZnCuSe2 nanostructures/carbon fabric-based triboelectric nanogenerator and supercapacitor for self-charging hybrid power system application

Herein, we report a simple self-charging hybrid power system (SCHPS) based on binder-free zinc copper selenide nanostructures (ZnCuSe2 NSs) deposited carbon fabric (CF) (i.e., ZnCuSe2/CF), which is used as an active material in the fabrication of supercapacitor (SC) and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). At first, a binder-free ZnCuSe2/CF was synthesized via a simple and facial hydrothermal synthesis approach, and the electrochemical properties of the obtained ZnCuSe2/CF were evaluated by fabricating a symmetric quasi-solid-state SC (SQSSC). The ZCS-2 (Zn:Cu ratio of 2:1) material deposited CF-based SQSSC exhibited good electrochemical properties, and the obtained maximum energy and power densities were 7.5 Wh kg–1 and 683.3 W kg–1, respectively with 97.6 % capacitance retention after 30,000 cycles. Furthermore, the ZnCuSe2/CF was coated with silicone rubber elastomer using a doctor blade technique, which is used as a negative triboelectric material in the fabrication of the multiple TENG (M-TENG). The fabricated M-TENG exhibited excellent electrical output performance, and the robustness and mechanical stability of the device were studied systematically. The practicality and applicability of the proposed M-TENG and SQSSC were systematically investigated by powering various low-power portable electronic components. Finally, the SQSSC was combined with the M-TENG to construct a SCHPS. The fabricated SCHPS provides a feasible solution for sustainable power supply, and it shows great potential in self-powered portable electronic device applications.

Electrical energy efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells by polymer electrolyte

This research aims to prepare by mixtures method with dope carbon black as a working electrode and the apply it to the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The thin film of titanium dioxide nanocrystalline semi - conductor with dope carbon black, the cells were coated on to transparent conducting oxide glass sheet by means of the doctor blade technique as a working electrode. But the polymer electrolyte were prepare by adding potassium iodide and iodine salts with a ratio of KI:I2 was 10:1, into a polymer electrolyte composed of poly-ethylene glycol, ethylene carbonate and poly(styrene–co–acrylonitrile). The polymer electrolyte mixtures became homogeneous and stirring at a temperature of 80 °C. Found that efficiency for the DSSCs by polymer electrolyte based on yielded an overall light to electrical energy conversion efficiency ( ) of the DSSCs was 5.5095%, An open-circuit voltage of 0.58 V, voltage at the point of maximum power output of 0.42 V, short-circuit current density of 11.11 mA.cm–2, current density at the point of maximum power output of 10.50 mA.cm–2 fill factor of 0.684 under an irradiation of 80 mW.cm–2. And the long-term stability test of the DSSCs with a polymer electrolyte is evidently superior to the DSSCs with liquid electrolyte based on the observation period lasting for 90 days. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS prepare by mixtures method with dope carbon black as a working electrode The efficiency for the DSSCs by polymer electrolyte based on yielded an overall light to electrical energy conversion

Layer by Layer: Improved Tortuosity in High Loading Aqueous NMC811 Electrodes

Thick electrode production is a key enabler for realizing high energy density Lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, the investigation of tortuosity as a crucial limiting parameter was conducted in this work. A thickness threshold (>150 μm) for a drastic increase in tortuosity for aqueous processed LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) electrodes was determined. Symmetrical cells, under blocking conditions, were analyzed via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. To counteract this phenomenon, multi-layer coated electrodes with varying binder concentrations were investigated. This novel coating method, combined with the reduction of binder material, leads to a tortuosity decrease of more than 80%, when compared to high-loading electrodes (>8.5 mAhcm−2) coated with the conventional doctor-blade technique. Additionally, a simplified transmission line model is opposed to a linear fitting method for analyzing the impedance data.

PHOTOELECTRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL (DSSCS) BASED ON NITROGEN DOPED CARBON QUANTUM DOT (CQDT) AND NATURAL PIGMENT EXTRACTED FROM ROSELLE HYBISCUS SABDARIFA

Citric acid, Ammonia and distilled water were used to synthesized Nitrogen doped carbon quantum dot (CQDT) and natural pigment was extracted from Roselle Hybiscus Sabdarifa flower. These sensitizers were used to fabricate monolithic dye sensitized solar cells, using Doctor Blade technique. Three samples of DSSCs were fabricated with CQDT, Hybiscus Sabdarifa dye and Hybiscus Sabdarifa +CQDT. These fabricated cells were characterized and the optical properties of the cells fabricated shows that the maximum absorbance of CQDT, hybiscus sabdarifa and hybiscus sabdarifa + CQDT was 1.75 %, 2.38 % and 2.17 % respectively. Moreso, the bandgap energy of the CQDT is 2.25 eV while hybiscus sabdarifa and hybiscus sabdarifa + CQDT is 1.88 eV and 1.92 eV respectively. The X-ray diffraction spectrum results reveals that the synthesized cells were polycrystalline in nature. The SEM images further exhibit a nanograins, that is spread throughout the substrate surface which show a stacked like agglomeration due to glass substrate used for the synthesis. The average crystallite size obtained was about 1 to 9 nm from the XRD data. The photoelectrical properties of the CQDT, hybiscus sabdarifa and hybiscus sabdarifa + CQDT revealed that the conversion efficiency was 4.17 %, 2.63 % and 1.17% respectively. This shows that the dye adhere well with the CQDT material thereby creating space for photovoltaic activities.

Preparation of a hierarchical porous activated carbon derived from cantaloupe peel/fly ash/PEDOT:PSS composites as Pt-free counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells

Hierarchical porous activated carbon/fly ash/PEDOT:PSS composites (AC:FA) for a counter electrode (CE) were created using a doctor blade technique and applied in dye sensitized solar cells. Hierarchical porous activated carbon (AC) was produced using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation process from cantaloupe peels (Cucumis melo L. var. cantaloupensis). AC was introduced into fly ash at various mass ratios to enhance several physical and electrochemical characteristics. Compared to bare FA, the AC:FA electrode displayed a high electrocatalytic activity for the iodide/triiodide redox (I−/I3−) reaction. The test findings show that a higher proportion of AC has an impact on a CE's catalytic activity and charge transfer resistance. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) attained 5.81 % using the AC:FA CE with AC in a mass ratio of FA in 3:1 (wt./wt.), which is very near the performance of manufactured DSSC's with a platinum (Pt)-based CE (5.91 %). The AC:FA CE stands out as a strong candidate to substitute for costly Pt CEs due to its enhanced electrochemical activity and charge transfer capabilities obtained with an inexpensive and simple production procedure.

Investigating the Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Polystyrene (PS)/Untreated SWCNT Nanocomposite Films

This paper presents a study of the electrical and mechanical properties of polystyrene (PS)/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites prepared using the doctor blade technique. The nanocomposite films of PS/CNT were prepared by casting a composite solution of PS/CNT in tetrahydrofuran (THF) on a glass substrate using a doctor blade and drying in an oven. The nanocomposite films were then characterized using a tensile test and the four-point probe method to evaluate their mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. The experimental results were used to analyze the unpredicted behavior of the nanocomposite films. The experimental results showed that the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite films became almost insensitive or unmeasurable with increasing CNT content for very dilute PS–THF solutions. In contrast, at higher PS concentrations, film conductivity increased to a given CNT threshold and then decreased. Based on PS–THF viscosity–concentration data, a discussion is elaborated that partially justifies the experimental results.

Integrated multimode optical waveguides in glass using laser induced deep etching.

Glass is an ideal material for optical applications, even though only a few micromachining technologies for material ablation are available. These microstructuring methods are limited regarding precision and freedom of design. A micromachining process for glass is laser induced deep etching (LIDE). Without generating micro-cracks, introducing stress, or other damages, it can precisely machine many types of glass. This work uses LIDE to subtractive manufacture structures in glass carrier substrates. Due to its transmission characteristics and refractive index, the glass substrate serves as optical cladding for polymer waveguides. In this paper, the described fabrication process can be divided into two sub-steps. The doctor blade technique and subsequent additive process step is used in manufacturing cavities with U-shaped cross-sections in glass in order to fill the trenches with liquid optical polymers, which are globally UV-cured. Based on the higher refractive index of the polymer, it enables optical waveguiding in the visible to near-infrared wavelength range. This novel, to the best of our knoowledge, manufacturing method is called LDB (LIDE-doctor-blade); it can be the missing link between long-distance transmissions and on-chip solutions on the packaging level. For validation, optical waveguides are examined regarding their geometrical dimensions, surface roughness, and waveguiding ability, such as intensity distribution and length-dependent attenuation.

Facile Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2/SnS Nanocomposites by Eco-Friendly Methods

The acid etching mechanism of FTO film using zinc powders has been explored, and sulfuric and hydrochloric acid solutions of different concentrations were tested as etching agents. Compact and mesoporous films of titanium dioxide were prepared by spin-coating and doctor blade techniques on FTO glass. Tin sulfide films were formed through a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process using different numbers of deposition cycles, and TiO2/SnS nanocomposites were synthesized. The thin films and the prepared composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. In this study, the principal characteristics of deposited tin sulfide films on two different types of TiO2 films are shown.