Structural and optical characterization of PbxTi1−xO2 film prepared by sol-gel method

We present our preliminary attempt to produce a low cost and efficient solar cell based on TiO2. Pb doped TiO2 thin films are prepared by sol-gel method with a Pb content of 5, 10 and 15 mol%, in order to reduce the band gap of TiO2 such that the semiconductor responds to the visible region of the solar spectrum. Films are deposited on silicon, quartz, and conducting (ITO coated) glass substrates under different temperature conditions. X-ray diffraction study shows an amorphous to polycrystalline nature of the film as the deposition is carried over layer by layer. UV-visible transmittance patterns do indicate a lowering in the band gap of Pb doped TiO2 films. Preliminary surface analysis by SEM and photo-electrochemical (PEC) measurements of the films have also been made.