Solar Cells by Design: Photoelectrochemistry of TiO2 Nanorod Arrays Decorated with CdSe

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures of TiO2 are grown directly on transparent, conductive glass substrate using hydrothermal/solvothermal methods. When employed as a photoanode in photoelectrochemical cells, the vertically aligned TiO2 nanorod array exhibits slower charge recombination at electrolyte interface as compared to mesoscopic TiO2 particulate film. Electrochemical deposition of CdSe onto TiO2 nanorod array is carried out to extend absorption into visible light region. The role of CdSe-sensitized, 1D rutile TiO2 architecture in the solar cell design is discussed.