Surface Modification of Stretched TiO2 Nanotubes for Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Straight-stranded anatase TiO2 nanotubes were produced by anodic oxidation on a pure titanium substrate in an aqueous solution containing a 0.45 wt % NaF electrolyte (pH 4.3 fixed). The average length of the TiO2 nanotubes was approximately 3 μm, which had an effect on the level of dye adsorption in the dye-sensitized solar cells. The anodic TiO2 nanotubes were applied as a working electrode in a solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell. An approximately 1 nm ZnO shell was coated on the TiO2 nanotube to improve the open-circuit voltage (Voc) and conversion efficiency of the solar cell, and to retard any back reaction. Although the Voc and short-circuit current (Jsc) of the cell were improved, there was a low fill factor as a result of the formation of a thick TiO2 barrier layer in the anodic TiO2/Ti substrate. A parameter on the degradation of fill factor (37%) is related to the formation of a thick TiO2 barrier layer in the anodic TiO2/Ti substrate interface. A hydrogen peroxide treatment was performed in a...

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