ZnO nanocoral structures for photoelectrochemical cells

Abstract

We report on synthesis of a uniform and large area of a new form of ZnO nanocorals. These nanostructures can provide suitable electrical pathways for efficient carrier collection as well as large surface areas for the photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. PEC devices made from these ZnO nanocoral structures demonstrate significantly enhanced photoresponse as compared to ZnO compact and nanorod films. Our results suggest that the nanocoral structures could be an excellent choice for nanomaterial-based applications such as dye-sensitized solar cells, electrochromic windows, and batteries.