Fabrication of p-type semiconducting NiCo2O4 thin films using hydroxide nanoplatelet precursors and their application to N749-sensitized photocathodes

NiCo2O4 is promising as one of the p-type oxide semiconductors for practical applications in optoelectronic devices. In this study, we have elaborated NiCo2O4 hexagonal nanoplatelet films and examined their photovoltaic properties. The film fabrication was actually achieved by four steps: the synthesis of hexagonal nanoplatelets of a Ni1/3Co2/3(OH)(2) precursor, the dispersion of the nanoplatelets in liquid media, the self-assembly of the nanoplatelets on dipped substrates, and the topological conversion of the hydroxide to the oxide by the heat treatment. The resultant NiCo2O4 thin films had structural features such as the crystallographic (111) orientation, the high specific surface area, and the high light-scattering ability. As a result, the NiCo2O4 thin films loaded with an N749 dye could work effectively as photocathodes in the configuration of dye-sensitized solar cells. (C) 2021 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study elaborated NiCo2O4 hexagonal nanoplatelet films with high specific surface area and light-scattering ability, which can effectively work as photocathodes in dye-sensitized solar cells.