Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles by using new shape controllers and its application in dye sensitized solar cells

Nanoparticulated TiO2 materials with anatase structure were synthesized by using two step hydrothermal method and using amine ligands as shape controllers. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) employing these materials achieved conversion efficiencies as high as 2.61% for smallest nanoparticles that was resulted of an effective shape controller.