In this paper, we present the synthesis of TiO 2 nanotube (NT) arrays formed by anodization of Ti film deposited on a fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated glass substrate by direct current magnetron sputtering. NH 4 F/ethylene glycol electrolyte was used to demonstrate the growth of stable nanotubes at room temperature. TiO 2 NTs as long as 4.8 lm with the high expansion factor to the initial sputtered Ti film (2 lm) were obtained, showing little undesired dissolution of the metal in the electrolyte during anodization. The average pore size and wall thickness of NTs were about 70 and 30 nm, respectively. Structural investigations on the transparent NT arrays reveal the presence of anatase phase after annealing. The NTs were sensitized by the N719 complex and the resultant photoelectrodes were incorporated into dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The conversion efficiency of 1.97 % was obtained under AM 1.5 illumination and the open circuit voltage, short circuit current density and the fill factor were 0.59 V, 6.71 mA/cm 2 and 0.50, respectively. Investigation of the electron transport of the DSSCs by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the electron diffusion length (8.6 lm) was higher than NTs' height. It was also observed that the electron transport resistance measured in NT DSSC was lower compared to the reported TiO 2 nanoparticle one.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.