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    Characterization of Enzymatically Synthesized Titania Thin Films Using Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy Reveals Low-Cost Approach for Organic/Inorganic Photovoltaic Cells

    Year: 2020

    Journal: Adv. Sustain. Syst., Volume 4, JUN

    Authors: van Amelrooij, Edward F.; Schut, Henk; Egger, Werner; Dickmann, Marcel; Hugenschmidt, Christoph; Mallee, Lloyd; Hanefeld, Ulf; McMillan, Duncan G. G.; Eijt, Stephan W. H.

    Keywords: biomineralization; enzymes; photovoltaics; positron annihilation; titania

    A new method is developed to produce mesoporous titania thin films at room temperature using the enzyme papain in a dip-coating procedure, providing low-cost titania films in a sustainable manner. Quartz crystal microbalance, positron annihilation Doppler broadening and lifetime spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction are used to determine the deposition and structural properties of the films. As-deposited films have low densities rho approximate to 0.6 g cm(-3), contain small micropores and proteins, and exhibit corrugated surfaces. Annealing at temperatures of 300 degrees C or higher leads to the destruction and evaporation of most of the organic material, resulting in a thickness decrease of 50-60%, more pure titania films with increased density, an increase in micropore size and a decrease in the concentration and size of atomic-scale vacancies. Up to 50 layers could be stacked, allowing easy control over the total layer thickness. Based on these titania films, first test devices consisting of natural dye-sensitized solar cells are produced, that show photovoltaic activity and indicate possibilities for low-cost, accessible, organic production of solar cells. Given the wide range of other applications for titania, this new method is a promising candidate for improving the fabrication of those products with respect to cost, sustainability, and production speed.
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