Abstract
Nano-branched rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays were grown on F:SnO2 conductive glass (FTO) by a facile, two-step wet chemical synthesis process at low temperature. The length of the nanobranches was tailored by controlling the growth time, after which CdS quantum dots were deposited on the nano-branched TiO2 arrays using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method to make a photoanode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). The photovoltaic properties of the CdS-sensitized nano-branched TiO2 solar cells were studied systematically. A short-circuit current intensity of approximately 7 mA/cm2 and a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 0.95% were recorded for cells based on optimized nano-branched TiO2 arrays, indicating an increase of 138% compared to those based on unbranched TiO2 nanorod arrays. The improved performance is attributed to a markedly enlarged surface area provided by the nanobranches and better electron conductivity in the one-dimensional, well-aligned TiO2 nanorod trunks.
Highlights
Solar cells have attracted considerable attention because of their potential application in low-cost and flexible energy generation devices
As the immersion time increases, the branches become greater in number and longer in length. These branches coated on TiO2 nanorod would greatly improve the specific surface area and roughness, which is urgent for solar cell applications
The resultant nanostructures consisted of single-crystalline nanorod trunks and a large number of short TiO2 nanobranches, which is an effective structure for the deposition of CdS quantum dots
Summary
Solar cells have attracted considerable attention because of their potential application in low-cost and flexible energy generation devices. Compared to polycrystal TiO2 nanostructures, such as nanotubes and nanoparticles, nanobranched TiO2 nanorod arrays, which are grown directly on transparent conductive oxide electrodes, increase the photocurrent efficiency by avoiding the particle-to-particle hopping that occurs in polycrystalline films. These nanostructures could simultaneously offer a large surface area for deposition of CdS quantum dots, excellent lighttrapping characteristics, lower charge carrier recombination rates, and a highly conductive pathway for charge carrier collection, resulting in a highly efficient photoanode for solar cell applications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
