Effect of dye-sensitized solar cells based on the anodizing TiO2 nanotube array/nanoparticle double-layer electrode

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays fabricated by anodization are very attractive for dye-sensitized solar cells owing to their superior charge percolation and slower charge recombination. Highly ordered, vertically aligned TiO2 nanotube arrays have been prepared by a three-step anodic oxidation. In this work, we considered the aforementioned strategies to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. Employing one of these approaches, the use of oxide semiconductors in the form of a TiO2 nanotube array was attempted as a novel means of improving the electron transport through the film. We fabricated a novel TiO2 nanoparticle/TiO2 nanotube array double-layer photoelectrode by a layer-by-layer assembly process, and we thoroughly investigated the effect of various structures on sample efficiency. Dye-sensitized solar cells with a light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 5.48% were achieved at a simulated solar light irradiation of 100mW/cm(2) (AM 1.5). (C) 2014 The Japan Society of Applied Physics