Fabrication and Characterization of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using TiO₂-Nanotube Particles by Anodic Oxidation

Anodic oxidation of Ti metal was performed in an ethylene glycol electrolyte with small addition of H2O and NH4F at 60V. Ti metal plate with a thickness of 100 mu m was completely converted into similar to 200 mu m thick membrane of highly ordered TiO2 nanotube (NT) arrays. TiO2 NT arrays are grown in vertical direction to both faces of the Ti-plate. As-fabricated NT membrane is mechanically grinded to yield fine individual NT particles for the photoanode application to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) in replacement of conventional TiO2 particles. Photoconversion efficiency of the DSC using crystalline NT particles is similar to 7.0%. It can be further improved by controlling TiO2 NT particle dimensions to increase dye attachment, and electron lifetime and mobility due to high surface to volume ratio and less defect density. (C) 2009 The Japan Society of Applied Physics DOI: 1143/JJAP.48.08HK07