Synthesis of Capped TiO₂ Nanocrystals of Controlled Shape and Their Use with MEH-PPV to Develop Nanocomposite Films for Photovoltaic Applications

The present study presents the synthesis details of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) of different morphologies using oleic acid (OA) and oleyl amine (OM) as capping agents. Different shapes of NPs, such as nanospheres, nanorods, and nanorhombics, were achieved. In order to develop nanocomposite thin films for photovoltaic cells, these TiO₂ NPs were carefully dispersed in 2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene (MEH-PPV) matrix. The properties of synthesized TiO₂ NPs and MEH-PPV/TiO₂ nanocomposites were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-Visible spectroscopy, and Pho-toluminescence technique. Obtained results showed promising properties for photovoltaic devices, especially solar radiation absorption properties and charge transfer at the interface of the conjugated MEH-PPV matrix and TiO₂ dispersed NPs.