Titanium dioxide nanotubes by electrochemical oxidation of titanium sheet for dye sensitized solar cell application

Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube arrays were fabricated by the electrochemical anodization of titanium sheet by varying the reaction parameters like electrolyte concentration, applied voltage and the anodizing time. Well-polished pure titanium sheet was taken as anode and platinum wire as cathode in this electrochemical process. The electrolyte used was ammonium fluoride (NH4F) solution in ethylene glycol base. The TiO2 layer was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The photo anode of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) was fabricated by loading sensitizer dye on to these TiO2 nanotube arrays. This electrode was connected to counter electrode of the cell through a redox electrolyte (I-/I3-). Solar cell was fabricated with natural dye from pomegranate as photosensitizer on the TiO2 nanotube array. Characterization was carried out and parameters like short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor and efficiency were studied.