CdS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on nano-branched TiO2 arrays |
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| Authors: | Chang Liu Yitan Li Lin Wei Cuncun Wu Yanxue Chen Liangmo Mei Jun Jiao |
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| Affiliation: | 1.School of Physics and State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People''s Republic of China;2.School of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People''s Republic of China;3.Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, USA |
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| Abstract: | Nano-branched rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays were grown on F:SnO2 conductive glass (FTO) by a facile, two-step wet chemical synthesis process at low temperature. The length of the nanobranches was tailored by controlling the growth time, after which CdS quantum dots were deposited on the nano-branched TiO2 arrays using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method to make a photoanode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). The photovoltaic properties of the CdS-sensitized nano-branched TiO2 solar cells were studied systematically. A short-circuit current intensity of approximately 7 mA/cm2 and a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 0.95% were recorded for cells based on optimized nano-branched TiO2 arrays, indicating an increase of 138% compared to those based on unbranched TiO2 nanorod arrays. The improved performance is attributed to a markedly enlarged surface area provided by the nanobranches and better electron conductivity in the one-dimensional, well-aligned TiO2 nanorod trunks. |
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| Keywords: | TiO2 CdS Nanobranch Solar cells |
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