Optimization of 3D ZnO brush-like nanorods for dye-sensitized solar cells

• DOI: 10.1039/c7ra13128c
• Publication Date: 2018-03-09T08:53:48Z
• Authors: Simona Pace; Alessandro Resmini; Ilenia G. Tredici; Alessandro Soffie...; Xuan Li; Steve Dunn; Joe Briscoe; Umberto Anselmi-T...
• Keywords: Nanorod

In a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) the amount of adsorbed dye on photoanode surface is key factor that must be maximized in order to obtain enhanced DSSC performance. this study 3D ZnO nanostructures, named brush-like, are demonstrated as alternative photoanodes. these structures, long nanorods covered with metal-organic precursor, known layered-hydroxide zinc salt (LHZS), which subsequently converted crystalline using two-step annealing. The LHZS able easily grow any surface, such nanorod without needing assistance seed-layer. Brush-like structures synthesized different citrate concentrations growth solutions and annealing conditions characterized tested best-performing structure reported was obtained highest concentration (1.808 mM) lowest temperature condition an oxidative environment. Conversion efficiency high 1.95% when brush-like were employed These results extremely promising for implementation innovative DSSCs, well other applications require maximization area exposed by or similar semiconductors, gas- bio-sensing photocatalysis.