ZnO nanosheets derived from surfactant-directed process: Growth mechanism, and application in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Layered basic zinc acetate (LBZA), has been successfully synthesized by employing surfactant Pluronic F127 (EO 106PO 70EO 106) as the template in aqueous solution. In contrast to the well studied kinetic factor in aqueous solutions, a new formation mechanism of LBZA was established based on the consideration of thermodynamic factor in aqueous solution. The hydrolysis process was slowed down by the stable octahedral Zn 2+(H 2O) 6 coordination through hydrogen bond interaction between Zn 2+(H 2O) 6 and F127. The LBZA precipitates were transformed into nanocrystalline, porous ZnO nanosheets without morphological deformation upon heating at 300°C in air. When the ZnO nanosheets are employed as photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), a conversion efficiency of 3.2% is obtained. © 2011 The American Ceramic Society.