Doping of Titanium Dioxide with Zirconia for Application of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

The study on the effect of doping Ti02 with Zirconia was done by using Reflux
and Impregnation synthesis method. The initial molar composition of Zr/Ti02 was
prepared at 1:1, 1:0.5 and 0.5:1 ratio. The produced samples from synthesis method then
dried and calcined at 600°C. The effect of varied composition was determined by
characterization techniques as discussed in Chapter 4. The characterization techniques
include XRD analysis, SEM analysis, BET analysis, FTIR analysis, Raman
Spectroscopy analysis, XPS analysis and application on test cell.
Images from SEM analysis shown that more uniform distribution of
nanoparticles, with reducing pore size and smaller grain size for samples with higher
content of Zirconia. XRD and Raman analysis indicated the wide distribution of the
monoclinic ZrO and tetragonal Ti02 anatase phase. Higher content of Titania in the
samples yield worse ceramic sinterability. FTIR result shown the reduction of hydroxyl
and N-H group for the samples that has been calcined.