Investigating the role of a Schiff-base ligand in the characteristics of TiO2 nano-particles: Particle size, optical properties, and photo-voltaic performance of dye-sensitised solar cells

A Schiff base ligand was employed to synthesise TiO2 nano-particles by a two-step sol–gel method. The effect of the ligand on purity, particle size, optical properties and photo-voltaic performance of dye-sensitised solar cells was investigated. Various concentrations of the ligand were applied and each sample was characterised. Changing the ligand content had an effective role on the optical and photo-voltaic properties of the final product. The obtained products were characterised through powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy.