title: Probing the morphology-device relation of Fe₂O₃ nanostructures towards photovoltaic and sensing applications.
abstract: A lot of research on nanomaterials has been carried out in recent years. However, there is still a lack of nanostructures that have a combination of superior properties; both efficient electron transport and high surface area. Here, the authors have tried to develop hybrid α-Fe(2)O(3) flower-like morphology which exhibits both superior electron transport and high surface area. Intrigued by the unique properties of Fe(2)O(3) at the nanoscale and its abundance in nature, we have demonstrated a facile template-free solution based synthesis of hybrid α-Fe(2)O(3) comprising nanopetals nucleating radially from a 3D core. Due to its simplicity, the synthesis process can be easily reproduced and scaled up. We carried out in-depth studies on gas sensing and dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) device characterization so as to gain an understanding of how surface area and transport properties are affected by variation in morphology. The hybrid α-Fe(2)O(3) nanostructures are studied as potential candidates for gas sensors and for the first time as a working electrode for DSSC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Engineering Science Program, Blk EA, #06-10, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Agarwala
authors.forename: Z H
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Ho