Synthesis and Structure-Property Correlation in Shape-Controlled ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by Chemical Vapor Synthesis and their Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Revathi R. Bacsa (Author) Other; Jeannette Dexpert-Ghys (Author) Other; Marc Verelst (Author) Other; Andrea Falqui (Author) Other; Bruno Machado (Author) FEUP; Wolfgang S. Bacsa (Author) Other; Peter Chen (Author) Other; Shaik M. Zakeeruddin (Author) Other; Michael Graetzel (Author) Other; Philippe Serp (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Advanced Functional Materials

Vol. 19

Pages: 875-886

ISSN: 1616-301X

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 55 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 72 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Nano-technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-MF3

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.200801049

Abstract (EN): Here, the large scale synthesis of nanocrystalline ZnO spheres and tetrapods in the size range of 8-40 nm by chemical 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 that 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 efficiencies for application in dye sensitized solar cells when compared to spheres.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12