Titanium Dioxide Modifications for Energy Conversion: Learnings from Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

During the last two and half decade modifying anatase TiO 2 has appreciably enhanced our understanding and application of this semiconducting, non-toxic material. In the domain of DSCs, the main focus has been to achieve band adjustment to facilitate electron injection from anchored dyes, and high electronic mobility for photo-generated electron collection. In retrospection, there is a dire need to assimilate and summarize the findings of these studies to further catalyze the research, better understanding and comparison of the structure – property relationships in modifying TiO 2 efficiently for crucial photo- catalytic, electrochemical and nanostructured applications. This chapter aims at categoriz-ing the typical approaches used to modify TiO 2 in the domain of DSCs such as through TiO 2 paste additives, TiO 2 doping, metal oxides inclusion, dye solution co-adsorbing additives, post staining surface treatment additives and electrolyte additives. A summary of the consequences of these modifications on electron injection, charge extraction, elec- tronic mobility, conduction band shift and surface states has been presented. This chapter is expected to hugely benefit the researchers employing TiO 2 in energy, catalysis and battery applications.