Papers by Author: Walter Water

Abstract: In this research, vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube was fabricated on ITO glass by electrochemistry method, and investigated by the measurements of X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV/VIS) spectrometer. X-ray diffraction patterns show that the best sintering temperature of TiO2 nanotube is 500°C, at which TiO2 anatase phase forms best. SEM images reveal that the diameter and height of TiO2 nanotube are 70 nm and 230 nm, respectively. Transmittance curves reveal that the transmittance of annealed TiO2 nanotube is about 80%~90%, and is obviously higher than non-annealed TiO2 nanotube. The absorption band of annealed TiO2 nanotube is at 330~370 nm. The results of current-voltage (I-V) characteristics analysis reveal that dye-sensitized solar cell with TiO2 nanotube electrode has better I-V characteristics and efficiency than TiO2 film electrode. This result may be due to the annealed TiO2 nanotube applied on the electrode of dye-sensitized solar cell can increase the contact area between TiO2 and dye, resulting in the enhancement of I-V characteristics and efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cell.