Interdigitated CuS/TiO2 Nanotube Bulk Heterojunctions Achieved via Ion Exchange

• Published in: Electrochimica acta Vol. 199; pp. 180 - 186
• Main Authors: Zhao, Xiaoli, Huang, Jiamu, Wang, Ye, Xiang, Chengjie, Sun, Deen, Wu, Liang, Tang, Xiaosheng, Sun, Kuan, Zang, Zhigang, Sun, Lidong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2016
• Subjects: bulk heterojunction; ion exchange; nanotube; solar cell; TiO2; bulk heterojunction; nanotube; solar cell; ion exchange; TiO2
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.03.099

An interdigitated bulk heterojunction of CuS/TiO2 was fabricated with the assistance of intermediate ZnS nanoparticles subject to ion exchange. [Display omitted] •An interdigitated CuS/TiO2 nanotube bulk heterojunction was achieved via ion exchange method.•The combination of pre-filling and post-exchanging process is essential in formation of the interdigitated structure.•Such a three-dimensional bulk heterojunction contributes to photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. In photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications, a three-dimensional bulk heterojunction is highly desirable in view of the large interfacial area for rapid charge separation. An additional benefit of oriented charge transport is furnished when using anodized titania nanotube arrays as the substrates. However, filling the nanotubes with another p-type semiconductor integrate film, rather than discrete nanoparticles, is difficult with solution-based process. In this study, an interdigitated CuS/TiO2 bulk heterojunction was achieved by filling up TiO2 nanotube arrays with ZnS nanoparticles, and subsequently converting the ZnS nanoparticles into CuS film. Such a combination of pre-filling and post-exchanging process is essential in formation of the interdigitated structure. The rational design of the unique architecture demonstrated in this work provides a facile and general approach to fabricate bulk heterojunctions with other potential semiconductors.