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 (η) 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.