Synthesis, characterization and application of sol–gel derived mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles for dye-sensitized solar cells

Nanocrystalline mesoporous titania of anatase crystal phase were prepared by sol–gel route by varying calcination (400 °C and 600 °C) conditions, and the photo-electrochemical properties were investigated for dye-sensitized solar cell applications. The TTIP precursor in n-heptane solvent with ratio of water to TTIP (5:1) was found to be effective substrate for the working electrodes. The overall conversion efficiency of 7.59% was achieved under 1 sun irradiation with open circuit voltage of 0.77 V, current density of 17.00 mA/cm2 and FF of 51.12. The high efficiency of the 400 °C calcined sample were attributed to its mesopores, high BET surface area (80.1 m2/g) and large pore volume of prepared titania substrate which provide better surface for the absorption of dye, improves light harvesting efficiency and better charge injection. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, small angle XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, IPCE, I–V curve, BET surface area and BJH plot techniques.