Hydrothermal Preparation of Gd3+-Doped Titanate Nanotubes: Magnetic Properties and Photovoltaic Performance. (21st December 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hafez, Hoda S.; Saif, M.; McLeskey,, James T.; Abdel-Mottaleb, M. S. A.; Yahia, I. S.; Story, T.; Knoff, W.
• Other Names: Nüesch Frank Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of photoenergy. Volume 2009(2009)
• Publication Date: 2009-12-21
• Subjects: Photochemistry -- Periodicals; Photobiology -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; Photochimie; Photobiologie; Chimie physique et théorique; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical; Photobiology; Photochemistry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 541.35
• DOI: 10.1155/2009/240402
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1110-662X

Abstract

Abstract : Pure andGd 3 + -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 rendersGd 3 + -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 preparedGd 3 + -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 designedGd 3 + -doped nanotubes.