P25 niblet-like coated on large void space TiO2 nanotubes arrays for high-rate charge-collection and improved photoconversion efficiency

• Published in: Journal of solid state chemistry Vol. 190; pp. 130 - 134
• Main Authors: Hu, Anzheng, Xiao, Lixia, Dai, Gaopeng, Xia, Zhengcai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 01.06.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Arrays; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Decoration; Dye-sensitized solar cells; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; High-rate charge-collection; Large void space nanotubes; Materials science; Nanoparticles; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Nanotubes; Natural energy; Niblet-like coated P25; Optimization; Other topics in nanoscale materials and structures; Photovoltaic conversion; Physics; Simulation; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Titanium dioxide; Voids; Large void space nanotubes; Dye-sensitized solar cells; Niblet-like coated P25; High-rate charge-collection; Solar cells; Dye-sensitized solar cell; Crystal defects; Calcium selenides; Organic dye; Nanotubes; Stainless steels; Voids; Nanoparticles; Hydrothermal synthesis; Hydrothermal treatment; Morphology; Americium; Microstructure; Titanium oxide; Arrays; Nanostructured materials; Lithium nitride
• ISSN: 0022-4596; 1095-726X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2012.02.029

A niblet-like P25-coated large void space TiO2 nanotubes arrays (PCTs) has been synthesized by decorating P25 nanoparticles on a rapidly-synthesized large void space TiO2 nanotube arrays (LTAs) with an appropriate hydrothermal treatment approach in a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave. Some key factors and probable synthetic mechanisms have been investigated to obtain an optimal route. Exhilaratingly, the as-synthesized PCTs and LTAs show impressive morphologies, structures and very large void space. And the most important is that, compared with LTAs, the decorated PCTs demonstrates significantly improved dye loading and high-rate charge-collection capability and thus leads to a more than double of the solar cell efficiency than that of LTAs (from 1.46% of LTAs to 3.00% of PCTs under simulated AM 1.5 conditions in our case). The top view and cross-section SEM images of obtained electrode materials (LTAs and PCTs), with the schematic diagram (on the right) showing the kinetic advantages of the PCTs in charge collection and transmission. [Display omitted] ► A large void space TiO2 nanotubes arrays (LTAs) was fabricated in not more than 12h. ► A niblet-like P25-coated void space TiO2 nanotubes arrays (PCTs) has been synthesized based on the LTAs. ► Some key factors, probable synthetic mechanisms and optimal synthetic route are investigated. ► The PCTs and LTAs show impressive morphologies, structures and greatly improved dye loading capability. ► The PCTs shows enhanced charge-collection and light scattering properties and double solar cell efficiency.