ABSTRACT
In the present work, we describe an anodization process that is able to fully transform a thin Ti metal layer on a conductive glass into a TiO(2) nanotubular array. Under optimized conditions, nanotube electrodes can be obtained that are completely transparent and defect-free and allow electrochromic switching. These electrochromic electrodes show remarkable properties and can be directly integrated into devices.
ABSTRACT
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were prepared using TiO(2) nanotubes, grown by controlled Ti anodic oxidation in non-aqueous media. Smooth, vertically oriented TiO(2) nanotube arrays, presenting a high degree of self-organization and a length of 20 µm, have been grown using ethylene glycol electrolyte containing HF. As-grown nanotubes exhibit an amorphous structure, which transforms to the anatase TiO(2) crystalline phase upon post-annealing in air at 450 °C. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the porous morphology together with high roughness and fractality of the surface. The annealed tubes were sensitized by the standard N719 ruthenium dye and the adsorption was characterized using resonance micro-Raman spectroscopy and adsorption-desorption measurements. The sensitized tubes were further used as active photoelectrodes after incorporation in sandwich-type DSSCs using both liquid and solidified electrolytes. The efficiencies obtained under air mass (AM) 1.5 conditions, using a back-side illumination geometry, were very promising: 0.85% using a composite polymer redox electrolyte, while the efficiency was further increased up to 1.65% using a liquid electrolyte.
ABSTRACT
We present kinetics data of O2, n/iso-butane, CO2, and CO adsorbed at ultrahigh vacuum conditions on TiO2 nanotube (TiNTs) arrays produced by electrochemical anodization; amorphous and polycrystalline (anatase and mixed anatase/rutile) TiNTs have been studied addressing structure-activity relationships. Oxygen distinctly interacts with the TiNTs, whereas this process is not observed on fully oxidized TiO2 single crystals. Both molecularly and atomically bonded oxygen have been observed. Variations in the binding energies of alkanes were also detected.