@article { ISI:000299584400070,
	title = {Toward a quantitative correlation between microstructure and DSSC efficiency: a case study of TiO2-xNx nanoparticles in a disordered mesoporous framework},
	journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C},
	volume = {116},
	number = {3, SI},
	year = {2012},
	month = {JAN},
	pages = {2581-2587},
	publisher = {AMER CHEMICAL SOC},
	address = {1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA},
	abstract = {<p>The efficiency (eta) of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) depends on various parameters, the critical factors being a fast charge carrier transport and a slow rate of electron-hole recombination. The present article describes a simple combustion synthesis method to prepare TiO2-xNx with following four important features that directly influences eta: (1) a disordered mesoporous structural framework with high surface area to give high dye-loading and a small diffusion length for charge carriers allowing rapid movement to the surface; (2) electrically interconnected nanocrystalline TiO2-xNx particles with good necking and predominant (101) anatase facets to minimize electron-hole recombination; (3) low charge storage capacity in the titania framework; and (4) surface unsaturation assisting all the above factors. The pseudo-three-dimensional nature of mesoporous TiO2-xNx with the above features demonstrates the importance of textural features, and porosity allows faster diffusion of charge carriers to surface and their utilization to generate power. A quantitative correlation between interconnected nanoparticles over larger distances in a mesoporous framework and eta is demonstrated. This study also demonstrates an inexpensive and rapid method of producing the photoanode material with high eta in about 10 min.</p>},
	issn = {1932-7447},
	doi = {10.1021/jp210677d},
	author = {Sivaranjani, Kumarsrinivasan and Agarkar, Shruti A. and Ogale, Satishchandra B. and Gopinath, Chinnakonda S.}
}
