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Structural, optical and morphological properties of ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposite photoanodes for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) application
Abstract
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and ZnO/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared by direct blending procedure. The pure ZnO and ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposite films were coated on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate by doctor blade method followed by annealing. The MWCNTs were functionalized by mixed acid treatment before incorporation into ZnO matrix and the presence of the carboxylic group was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR). Electrical properties of these films were investigated by means of Current-Voltage (I-V) characteristics. Structural, Morphological and optical properties of the nanocomposite films were examined by means of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and UV-Vis spectroscopy respectively. The incorporation of functionalized MWCNTs (f-MWCNTs) in ZnO matrix provides better separation of ZnO particles and hence prevents aggregation. FESEM analysis confirms the increase in porosity of the ZnO films after incorporation of MWCNTs which enhances the absorption of light in photoanode of solar cells. It makes these films a better candidate for use as working electrode for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs).
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