Nanoprecursor-Mediated Synthesis of Mg2+-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles and Their Application for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Surface-doping anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with Mg2+ were prepared via a novel synthetic method, and used as photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image results indicate that the Mg2+ doping has no effect on the crystal phase and morphology of anatase TiO2. The shift in XRD peaks to higher angles, the absorption shift in UV-vis diffuse reflection spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicate the incorporation of Mg2+-ions into the TiO2 lattice. The as-prepared TiO2 nanoparticles doped with a low concentration of ions is proven a superior photoanode material than pure anatase TiO2. The energy-conversion efficiency (ii) of DSSC based on TiO2 nanoparticles doped with Mg2+ is at a maximum of 5.90%, corresponding to an efficiency improvement of 23.4% as compared to DSSC based on un-doped TiO2. This new synthetic approach using a nanoprecursor provides a simple and versatile method for the preparation of excellent photoanode materials for application in solar energy conversion devices.