Abstract
Mesoporous films made of titanium dioxide nanowires are desirable for dye-sensitized solar cellsbecause nanowires provide direct conduction pathways for photogenerated electrons. Anatasetitanium dioxide nanowires with polycrystalline microstructure were synthesized on titaniumfoil using a three-step process. First, the top surface of the titanium foil was transformed toNa2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubes through hydrothermal oxidation in NaOH. Next, theNa2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubes were convertedto H2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubes by ionexchange. Finally, the H2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubes were converted to polycrystalline anatase nanowires through a topotactictransformation. The film morphology evolution, crystal structure transformations andgrowth mechanism are described in detail. Titanium foil reacts with NaOH to formNa2Ti2O4(OH)2 sheets, which exfoliate and spiral into nanotubes. TheNa2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubes are immersed in HCl solution to replace theNa+ ionswith H+ ions. During the topotactic transformation ofH2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubesto anatase TiO2 nanowires, the sheets made of edge bondedTiO6 octahedrain the H2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubes dehydrate and move towards each other to form anatase crystals oriented alongthe nanotube axis which creates a polycrystalline nanowire. These mesoporousTiO2 nanowire films were suitable for use as dye-sensitized solar cell photoanodes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
