TiO2@MgO core-shell film: Fabrication and application to dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study, TiO2@MgO core-shell film was obtained by using a simple chemical bath deposition method to coat a thin MgO film around TiO2 nanoparticles. The core-shell configuration was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Lattice fringes were observed for the TiO2 particles, and the MgO shell showed an amorphous structure, revealing a clear distinction between the core and shell materials. Applying the core-shell film as photoanode to the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), it shows a superior performance compared to the pure TiO2 electrode. Under the illumination of simulated sunlight (75 mW·cm−2), the short circuit photocurrent (J sc), the open circuit photovoltage (V oc), and the fill factor (f F) are 8.80 mA·cm−2, 646 mV, and 0.69, respectively, and the conversion efficiency (η) increased by 21.8% (from 4.32% to 5.26%) when dipping for optimum condition.