Effect of Au nano-particles on TiO2 nanorod electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells

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Ghaffari M., Cosar M. B., Yavuz H. I., Ozenbas M., OKYAY A. K.

ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA, vol.76, pp.446-452, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 76
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.electacta.2012.05.058
  • Journal Name: ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.446-452
  • Keywords: Dye-sensitized solar cell, Hydrothermal, TiO2 nanorods, Photoreduction, X-RAY, RUTILE, ARRAYS, CORE, SIZE, ANATASE, SENSOR, XPS, EFFICIENCY, CONVERSION
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Au nano particles (NPs) were deposited on vertically grown TiO2 nanorod arrays on FTO substrate by hydrothermal process. Metal nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of TiO2 nanorods via photochemical reduction process under ultraviolet irradiation. X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis were used to characterize the as-prepared Au/TiO2 nanorod composites. Current density-voltage (I-V) measurements were obtained from a two-electrode sandwich type cell. The presence of Au nanoparticles can help the electron-hole separation by attracting photoelectrons. Addition of Au nanoparticles to the TiO2 nanorod significantly increased the fill factor and J(SC) (short circuit current density). The application of Au NPs TiO2 nanorods in improving the performance of DSSCs is promising. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.