Enhancing TiO2 Photoelectrode Performance: The Role of La Doping Using the Sol-Gel Process

Mifthahul Jannah; Nurul Azmi; Andi Lala; Zulkarnain Jalil; Mursal Mursal

doi:10.60084/hjas.v3i1.266

Authors

Mifthahul Jannah Master's Program in Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Nurul Azmi Department of Physics Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Abulyatama, Aceh Besar 23372, Indonesia
Andi Lala Graduate School of Mathematics and Applied Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Zulkarnain Jalil Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
Mursal Mursal Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60084/hjas.v3i1.266

Keywords:

TiO2, La doping, Photoelectrode, Surface morphology, Crystal size, DSSC

Abstract

Due to growing interest in renewable energy technologies, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional photovoltaics. This study explores the enhancement of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photoelectrodes through doping with lanthanum (La), a rare earth element known for its ability to modify semiconductors' structural and electronic properties. La-doped TiO₂ was synthesized using the sol-gel method with La concentrations ranging from 0 to 4 mol%. The resulting films were deposited onto substrates and sintered at 600 °C for 1 hour. Characterization techniques included X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD confirmed the anatase phase of TiO₂ and the appearance of La₂O₃ phases with doping. The smallest crystallite size (8.20 nm) and lowest bandgap energy (3.31 eV) were achieved at 1 mol% La, compared to 3.52 eV for undoped TiO₂. SEM-EDS indicated uniform La distribution, while FTIR revealed changes in surface chemistry. These results suggest that La doping, particularly at 1 mol%, can effectively enhance the optical and structural properties of TiO₂, making it a promising candidate for improved DSSC performance.

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