Preparation and characterization of SiO2-enhanced TiO2 thin films for solar cell applications

Abstract

Titanium oxide has excellent optical and chemical properties, which makes it an important and good element in many applications. Adding other elements to titanium will improve many of its properties, especially SiO2. This research deals with how these effects can improve the general properties of titanium by adding different ratios of SiO2 and how these ratios affect the crystal structure and optical and chemical properties of the prepared films. The sol-gel method was used and a broad analytical view of the effect of silica on the surface shape and energy gap of thin films was presented. In this research, we adopted the ratios between SiO2:TiO2 (1:0.1, 1:0.2, 1:0.3 and 1:0.4). The tests that were conducted were represented by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrum, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). To be applied in the solar cell system, the results showed a significant improvement in the performance of the solar cell at certain doping ratios compared to other ratios. Results reveal that SiO2 doping promotes an amorphous phase in TiO2, alters surface morphology, and impacts optical properties, making the composite material suitable for applications in photocatalysis and environmental remediation. In addition, the performance of these films in solar cell applications was evaluated, with results showing a significant improvement in power conversion efficiency, opening a new horizon for their use in upgrading the execution of solar cells.