The present article reviews the current status of using TiO(2) nanotubes in Grätzel-type, dye-sensitized solar cells and extends the overview with the latest results and findings. Critical factors in tube geometry (length, diameter, top morphology), crystal structure (amorphous, anatase, rutile) as well as factors affecting dye loading or electron mobility are addressed. The highest solar cell efficiencies today for pure nanotube systems reach approximately 4% while for some mixed systems, around 7% has been reported. For both systems significant room for enhancement is anticipated and some key points and strategies for improvement are outlined.

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Particle vs tube: The present paper systematically investigates a range of fundamental geometrical and structural features of TiO(2) nanotube layers and their effect on the dye-sensitized solar cell conversion efficiency, to deduce the most promising strategies for improvement. It is found that the performance of the cells strongly depends on the morphology and crystalline structure of the nanotubes.

Alternating‐voltage anodization of titanium foil in a fluoride‐containing electrolyte allowed novel, self‐organized nanoscale morphologies of TiO2 to be grown, such as reinforced nanotubes (nanobamboo) and laterally extended two‐dimensional networks (nanolace).