Content uploaded by Kenechukwu Alor
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Kenechukwu Alor on Oct 16, 2023
Content may be subject to copyright.
RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2019
www.PosterPresentations.com
The synthesis of both doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles and
extraction of dye from gmelina arborea flower was successfully carried out
for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The photocatalytic performances of
the nanoparticles was systematically studied with the aid of an X-Ray
diffractometer (XRD), UV-Visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). The absorption spectroscopy analysis showed a
reduced bandgap from 3.10 eV for the pristine TiO2 to 2.93 eV for 3% Zr-
doped TiO2 and 2.97 eV for 5% concentration. The dye extract from
gmelina arborea has a peak absorption around 548 nm of wavelength which
is promising for more light absorption in the visible region for enhanced
performance of the DSSC device.
INTRODUCTION
There is need for alternative and renewable energy sources considering
the environmental impact of fossil fuel. Among the renewables, solar
energy offers abundant, silent and eco-friendly power with enormous
potential to meet the global energy consumption demands.
Photovoltaics provide an opportunity to affordably convert this abundant
and clean energy source into electricity. There has been an ongoing
improvements on solar cell applications. DSSCs are third-generation
solar cells fabricated from inexpensive materials with low cost
processes.
DSSC is an electrical device for converting light photons into electricity
by PV effect through a semiconducting oxide photoanode. Among many
wide- band gap semiconductors, TiO2 has been examined as a potential
photoanode for DSSCs. Incorporation of dyes helps absorption in the
visible solar spectrum. Doping of the semiconducting oxides enhances
the performance of a DSSC device.
Figure 1: Doping mechanism
Figure 2: Gmelina flower
Figure 3: DSSC Assembly
ABSTRACT
(click to add) OBJECTIVES
Some of the chemicals includes cola acuminate (gworo), titanium
isopropoxide (C12H28O4Ti), acetone, distilled water, Zirconium
nitrate (ZrO(NO3)2), absolute ethanol, Acetic acid, electrolyte,
ethyl cellulose, terpineol.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
figure 6: Bandgaps
Figure 5: SEM results figure 7: XRD peaks
Figure 8: FTIR (Gmelina dye) Figure 9: UV-VIS (Gmelina)
Figure 4: Synthesis method
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS CONCLUSION
The synthesis of both doped and undoped nanoparticles for DSSC
fabrication have been successfully carried out. The results of the
absorption spectroscopy showed a reduced band gap from 3.10 eV for
the synthesized TiO2 to 2.93 eV for 3 % Zr-doped TiO2 and 2.97 eV for
5 % Zr-doped TiO2.
The alteration of the band gap by shifting down the conduction band or
shifting up the valence band is promising for the enhancement of light
absorption.
The SEM results clearly illustrated nanoporous surface nature of TiO2, 3
% Zr- TiO2 and 5 % Zr- TiO2 films which is the basic requirement of
photoelectrode in DSSC.
It was observed that the samples were granular in structure and porous
in nature, 3 % Zr- TiO2 film has uniform surface area than the pristine
TiO2 and 5 % Zr- TiO2.
The structure of 3 % Zr–TiO2 doped photoanode is promising for better
dye adsorption and in enhancing the overall performance of the DSSC.
The old gmelina dye showed strong absorption at the visible spectrum
with peak at 548.39 nm wavelength and a continuous increase in
absorption onto the near infrared regions of the EM spectrum.
Good absorption in the visible region is necessary for efficient light to
electricity conversion. The FTIR spectra of the gmelina arborea dye has
various peaks in the infrared region which supports the complex
structure of flavonoids pigments.
REFERENCE
Nirmala, M., Sahana, S., Iswarya, B., Maruvarrasi, K., Jenita,
A.A. and Kavitha, B. (2020). Fabrication of dye sensitized solar
cell based on natural photosensitizers. An international scienctific
journal, 149, 128-139.
Lameirinhas R.A.M., Torres J.P.N. and Cunha J.P.M., (2022). A
photovoltaic Technology Review: History, fundamentals and
Applications. Journal of Energies 15(5).
Doi.org/10.3390/en15051823.
Ito, S. and Takahashi, K., (2012). Fabrication of Monolithic Dye-
Sensitized Solar Cell using Ionic Liquid Electrolyte. Int. J.
Photoenergy, 1-6. doi: 10.1155/2012/915352.
Offiah S.U., Agbo S.N., Ezema C.G., Ugwoke P.E., Ekwealor
A.B.C, Agbogu A.N.C, Ezekoye B.A. and Ezema F.I., (2020).
Enhancement of the Performance of ZnO Based Natural Dye
Sensitized Solar Cells via PVA Morphology Controlled
Nanorods. Earth and Enviromental Science J. doi: 10.1088/1755-
1315/730/1/012033.
ACKNOWLEGDEMENT
I acknowledge the Almighty God for his providence
and protection. My profound gratitude goes to my
supervisors, Prof B A Ezekoye and Prof P E
Ugwuoke for their fatherly support and
encouragements. I will not forget my mentor Dr S
U Offiah. My appreciation will not be complete
without mentioning the entire Nano group and the
Head of Department of Physics and Astrophysics,
University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria, May God
bless you all.
1Department of Physics and Industrial Physics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
2Nano Research Group, Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria.
1Kenechukwu P. Alor, 2Benjamin A. Ezekoye, 2Paulinus E. Ugwuoke, 2Solomon U. Offiah, 2Fabian I. Ezema
5th Biennial African NANO Conference/workshop on application of Nanotechnology for Energy, Environment, Agriculture and Health (10th-16th September, 2023),
UNN, Nigeria.
SYNTHESIS AND FABRICATION OF DSSC WITH Zr-DOPED TIO2
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
0
100
200
300
400
500
ahv^2
hv (eV)
TAS
300 600 900
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
Absorbance
wavelenght (nm)
Old beech wood
New beech wood
10 20 30 40 50 60 70
0
30
60
90
120
Intensity (a.u.)
2 theta degrees
TV5
TV3
TAS
01234567
0
100
200
300
400
500
ahv^2
hv (eV)
TZ3
01234567
-200
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
ahv^2
hv (eV)
TZ5
