Application of Highly Ordered TiO₂ Nanotube Arrays in Flexible Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

TiO(2) nanotube arrays prepared by electrochemical anodization of Ti foils show impressive light to electricity conversion efficiency in the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The length of the TiO(2) nanotube arrays (5-14 microm) was controlled by varying the anodization time from 2 to 20 h. The influence of nanotube lengths on the photovoltaic performance of DSCs was investigated by impedance. A flexible DSC using TiO(2) nanotube arrays on a Ti foil as a working electrode and polyethylene naphthalate (ITO/PEN) as counterelectrode in combination with solvent-free ionic liquid electrolyte achieved 3.6% photovoltaic conversion efficiency under simulated AM 1.5 sunlight.