Ti O 2 single-crystalline nanorod electrode for quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Ti O 2 single-crystalline nanorods are prepared from electrospun fibers which are composed of nanofibrils with an islands-in-a-sea morphology. The mechanical pressure produces each fibril into nanorods which are converted to anatase single crystals after calcination. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy shows that the (001) plane is growing along the longitudinal direction of the rod. In this work, the nanorod electrode provides the efficient photocurrent generation in a quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell using highly viscous poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)-based gel electrolytes. The overall conversion efficiency of the TiO2 nanorods shows 6.2% under 100mW∕cm2 (AM 1.5G) illumination.

Nanomaterials for renewable energy production and storage

“…221 The application of TiO 2 nanorods in DSSCs was demonstrated by Song et al in 2005 as well within a quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell. 222 The overall conversion efficiency of the TiO 2 nanorods showed 6.2% under 100 mW cm À2 AM 1.5G illumination. 222 Films constructed of oriented one-dimensional nanostructures, such as nanotube (NT) arrays, aligned perpendicular to the collecting substrate can potentially improve the chargecollection efficiency by promoting faster transport and slower recombination.…”

“…222 The overall conversion efficiency of the TiO 2 nanorods showed 6.2% under 100 mW cm À2 AM 1.5G illumination. 222 Films constructed of oriented one-dimensional nanostructures, such as nanotube (NT) arrays, aligned perpendicular to the collecting substrate can potentially improve the chargecollection efficiency by promoting faster transport and slower recombination. A comparison of the electron pathways through nanoparticulate and nanotubular structured TiO 2 is shown in the schematic diagram of Fig.…”

Facile construction of nanofibrous ZnO photoelectrode for dye-sensitized solar cell applications

“…To solve this problem, various pretreatment methods have been developed. [13][14][15] In our previous study, we have shown that a buffer layer could be introduced to improve the adhesion of TiO 2 nanofibers to substrate. 16 Recently, the hot press treatment has also been applied to enhance the adhesion of ZnO nanofibers to the FTO substrate.…”

Inorganic Nanotubes and Nanowires

“…[461,462] Dye-sensitised solar cells using TiO 2 single-crystalline nanorod electrodes provide efficient photocurrent generation in a quasi-solid-state, with a conversion efficiency of 6.2 % under 100 mWcm À2 . [463] Intercalation of lithium ions in TiO 2 -B nanowires has been carried out without any structural degradation or loss of nanowire morphology. [464] Kim et al [465] have investigated the use of LiMn 2 O 4 nanowires for use as cathodes in lithium batteries.…”