P25 niblet-like coated on large void space TiO{sub 2} nanotubes arrays for high-rate charge-collection and improved photoconversion efficiency

Journal Article · Fri Jun 15 04:00:00 EDT 2012 · Journal of Solid State Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JSSC.2012.02.029· OSTI ID:22012136

Lixia, Xiao ^[1]; Gaopeng, Dai ^[2]; Zhengcai, Xia ^[1]

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1. Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China)
2. School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Xiangfan University, Xiangfan 441053, Hubei (China)

A niblet-like P25-coated large void space TiO{sub 2} nanotubes arrays (PCTs) has been synthesized by decorating P25 nanoparticles on a rapidly-synthesized large void space TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays (LTAs) with an appropriate hydrothermal treatment approach in a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave. Some key factors and probable synthetic mechanisms have been investigated to obtain an optimal route. Exhilaratingly, the as-synthesized PCTs and LTAs show impressive morphologies, structures and very large void space. And the most important is that, compared with LTAs, the decorated PCTs demonstrates significantly improved dye loading and high-rate charge-collection capability and thus leads to a more than double of the solar cell efficiency than that of LTAs (from 1.46% of LTAs to 3.00% of PCTs under simulated AM 1.5 conditions in our case). - Graphical abstract: The top view and cross-section SEM images of obtained electrode materials (LTAs and PCTs), with the schematic diagram (on the right) showing the kinetic advantages of the PCTs in charge collection and transmission. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A large void space TiO{sub 2} nanotubes arrays (LTAs) was fabricated in not more than 12 h. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A niblet-like P25-coated void space TiO{sub 2} nanotubes arrays (PCTs) has been synthesized based on the LTAs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Some key factors, probable synthetic mechanisms and optimal synthetic route are investigated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The PCTs and LTAs show impressive morphologies, structures and greatly improved dye loading capability. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The PCTs shows enhanced charge-collection and light scattering properties and double solar cell efficiency.

• OSTI ID: 22012136
• Journal Information: Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Solid State Chemistry Vol. . 190; ISSN 0022-4596; ISSN JSSCBI
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
CHARGE COLLECTION
CROSS SECTIONS
EFFICIENCY
IMAGES
LIGHT SCATTERING
MORPHOLOGY
NANOTUBES
PARTICLES
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SIMULATION
SOLAR CELLS
SPACE
STAINLESS STEELS
TEFLON
TITANIUM OXIDES
VOIDS