Conveniently fabricated heterojunction ZnO/TiO 2 electrodes using TiO 2 nanotube arrays for dye-sensitized solar cells

Rui Liu, Wein Duo Yang, Liang Sheng Qiang, Hsin Yi Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

TiO 2 nanotube arrays with an inner average pore diameter of 83 nm and a length of 14 μm are grown on Ti foils by electrochemical anodization in ammonium fluoride-water-glycerol solution. ZnO is introduced into the TiO 2 nanotube arrays by a convenient electrodeposition technique. ZnO/TiO 2 nanocomposites supported on Ti substrate are used as the photo-anode electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The morphology, structure and electrochemical properties are investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffusion reflection spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurements. It is found that ZnO have been embedded in the TiO 2 nanotube arrays, and changed some photoelectric properties. The conversion efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cells is more than doubled, compared with that of bare TiO 2 nanotube arrays with deposited 60 min. This improvement comes from the synergetic effect between ZnO and TiO 2, which increases dye absorption, electron transport and electron lifetime.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)153-159
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume220
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012 Dec 15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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