Photoelectrochemical cell using dye sensitized zinc oxide nanowires grown on carbon fibers


Unalan H. E., Di Wei D. W., Suzuki K., Dalal S., Hiralal P., Matsumoto H., ...More

APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS, vol.93, no.13, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 93 Issue: 13
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1063/1.2978957
  • Journal Name: APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) grown on carbon fibers using a vapor transport and condensation approach are used as the cathode of a photoelectrochemical cell. The carbon fibers were obtained by electrospray deposition and take the form of a flexible carbon fabric. The ZnO NW on carbon fiber anode is combined with a "black dye" photoabsorber, an electrolyte, and a platinum (Pt) counterelectrode to complete the cell. The results show that ZnO NW and carbon fibers can be used for photoinduced charge separation/charge transport and current collection, respectively, in a photoelectrochemical cell. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.