Preparation of TiO2 nanoparticles by using tripodal tetraamine ligands as complexing agent via two-step sol–gel method and their application in dye-sensitized solar cells

The effect of different tripodal tetraamine ligands was investigated on the particle size, agglomeration level, optical and photovoltaic properties of TiO2 nanoparticle prepared via a two-step sol–gel method. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the symmetry of ligands has a crucial effect on the size and agglomeration level of the products. The optical and photovoltaic properties of the products were studied, as well. The reflectivity property of the samples due to different agglomeration sizes is shown to be very important factor in increasing conversion efficiency of DSSC.

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► Tripodal ligands have crucial effect on the particle size and agglomeration level.
► The symmetry of the complexing agent has a crucial role on the morphology.
► The reflectivity property is very important factor in efficiency of DSSC.