Solid state synthesis of ternary semiconductor zinc titanate-metal organic framework composite as photoanode material: Electronic properties and photovoltaic performance

A ternary semiconductor zinc titanate (ZT)-metal-organic framework (MOF) composite is synthesized for photovoltaic applications to overcome the shortcomings of both materials when they behave separately including electronic conductivity and specific surface area. As a result, ZTMOF composite is synthesized and employed in making photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The amount of MOF in the composite varies from 0.5, 1 and 2%. The chemisorbed MOF on ZT surface is strongly supported by the PXRD and FT-IR data. It is found that a high surface area of the MOF increases the amount of dye adsorption. The photovoltaic performance and electronic properties of the composite are investigated. Electrochemical impedance analysis of the DSSCs based on MOF reveals that the electronic transport is better than bare titania photoanode, and the photo-generated electrons are less likely to recombine.