Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of TiO₂ nanorod array films based on TiO₂ compact layers synthesized by a two-step method

Abstract

An innovative two-step method perfectly prepared TCLs with different thicknesses, and then the TNA films based on TCLs were successfully prepared. The effects of different thicknesses of TCLs on the morphology and photoelectrochemical performance of TNA films were investigated. The results indicated that TCLs with appropriate thickness could effectively improve the morphology and photoelectrochemical performance of TNA films. Compared with the TNA films based on TCL 5 , TCL 10 and TCL 30 , the TNA film based on TCL 20 exhibited more ideal and comprehensive photoelectrochemical performance. Moreover, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on this TNA film achieved the highest J sc (10.2054 mA cm À2 ), V oc (0.5737 V), PCE (3.3%) and P out (3.31 mW cm À2 ).

Colloidal TiO2 Nanorod Films Deposited Using the MAPLE Technique: Role of the Organic Capping and Absence of Characteristic Surface Patterns

“…In comparison with the corresponding pristine samples (see Figure 3), individual NRs could still be occasionally discriminated, suggesting the effective removal of excess OLAC organic material. The presence of cracks and voids was evident as a result of the morphological changes induced by the degradation of the organic capping ligand component [50]. The comparison between the samples subjected to the UV(1) and UV(2) treatments evidenced that, from a morphological point of view, the samples were similar.…”

“…In general, droplets containing a relatively low volatility substance always form complex patterns following evaporation [50,[60][61][62][63]. In particular, a liquid droplet hitting a dry substrate tends to spread laterally and its side lamella may (i) deposit on the surface while keeping the integrity of the drop, (ii) splash (yielding prompt splashing or corona splashing) or (iii) bounce off the surface depending on the deposition kinematics, the physical properties of the droplet liquid, the substrate and the surroundings.…”