Synthesis of zinc titanate for Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) application

The objectives of the project are to synthesis zinc titanate and characterize the structure for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DCCS) application. The porous structure of zinc titanate will increase the light absorption at the longer wavelength of sunlight and increase the efficiency of the DSSC system. Currently, intensive research was done by researcher to increase the efficiency of DSSCs system so that it can be used in industrial scale. There are many factors that effect the efficiency of DSSCs system and one of it is the characteristic of electrode used. The parameters such the surface area, porosity, crystalline grains, and rate of recombination of photoinduced electrone are important in determining the efficiency of DSSCs system. In this project, zinc titanate will be synthesis by two methods that are reflux and impregnation method. The composition of the reactant will be varies to prepare different sample of zinc titanate. The characteristic zinc titanate structure will be tested to identify the best compositon in producing zinc titanate that can be applied in DSSC system. The zinc titanate produced will be tested by using x-ray diffusion (XRD), FTIR, UV-vis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and BET analysis. After that, the sample of zinc titanate will be tested in the test cells to determine the electricity generation. Most of the researcher found that the most favorable temperature to synthesis zinc titanate is between 800oC to 945oC. The amount of zinc also needs to be less than titanium to keep the efficiency of DSSCs system high.