Photovoltaic Performance of TiO₂ Nanotubes Anodized under Different Voltages

Abstract

The present study was conducted to develop highly ordered facile TiO2 nanotubes (TiNTs) at two different applied voltages using two-step electrochemical anodization for the application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The nanotube fabrication is carried out in an aqueous electrolyte containing ethylene glycol and ammonium fluoride at 40 V and 60 V fixed applied potentials. Nanotubes synthesized at 40 V are comparatively uniform and smoother, whereas a rough top surface is observed at 60 V. The photovoltaic efficiency achieved for the device based on TiNTs prepared at 40 V is 0.84% which is higher than the efficiency achieved for the 60 V device. This work highlights the importance of ordered nanotubes for efficient devices.

Keywords

• TiO₂ nanotubes
• anodization
• DSSCs
• efficiency