Enhanced efficiency of nanoporous-layer-covered TiO₂ nanotube arrays for front illuminated dye-sensitized solar cells

Nanoporous-layer-covered TiO₂ nanotube arrays (Type II TNTs) were fabricated by two-step electrochemical anodization. For comparison, conventional TiO₂ nanotube arrays (Type I TNTs) were also prepared by one-step electrochemical anodization. Types I and II TNTs were detached by selective etching and then transferred successfully to a transparent F-doped SnO₂ (FTO) substrate by a sol-gel process. Both FTO/Types I and II TNTs allowed front side illumination to exhibit incident photon-to-current efficiencies (IPCEs) in the long wavelength region of 300 to 750 nm without the absorption of light by the iodine-containing electrolyte. The Type II TNT exhibited longer electron lifetime and faster charge transfer than the Type I TNT because of its relatively fewer defect states. These beneficial effects lead to a high overall energy conversion efficiency (5.32 %) of the resulting dye-sensitized solar cell.