Hydrothermal Preparation of Gd3+-Doped Titanate Nanotubes: Magnetic Properties and Photovoltaic Performance
Pure and Gd3+-doped titanate nanotubes (TNTs) materials were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Their morphology, optical properties, thermal stability, and magnetic properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermal anal...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2009-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Photoenergy |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2009/240402 |
| Summary: | Pure and Gd3+-doped titanate nanotubes (TNTs) materials were
synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Their morphology, optical
properties, thermal stability, and magnetic properties were
characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron
microscope (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and
magnetic measurements. It was found that doping renders Gd3+-TNT visible light active and results in smaller
crystallite size and larger surface area as well as higher thermal
stability compared to pure titanate nanotubes. The estimated
magnetic moments point to presence of weak antiferromagnetic
interaction. Application of the prepared Gd3+-TNT for modifying conventional photoanodes in polymer
solar cells was attempted. Preliminary results show slightly
improved photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency in the devices
containing the newly designed Gd3+-doped nanotubes. |
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| ISSN: | 1110-662X 1687-529X |