Dye-sensitized photovoltaic wires using highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays.
Dye-sensitized photovoltaic wires (DSPVWs) are developed using anodized Ti wires that contain ordered arrays of TiO2 nanotubes. The prototype DSPVW consists of N719 dye-adsorbed TiO2 nanotube arrays around a Ti wire as a working electrode, a platinum wire as a counter electrode, and an organic electrolyte encased in a capillary glass tube. The effect of length of nanotube arrays on the photovoltaic performance of DSPVWs is studied systematically. A solar-to-electric conversion efficiency of 2.78% is achieved with 55 microm long nanotubes under 98.3 mW/cm(2) AM 1.5 simulated full light. The prototype device is capable of achieving a long distance transport of photocurrent and harvesting all light from any direction in surroundings to generate electricity.
Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, MS 388, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA. liuzy@buaa.edu.cn
Zhaoyue
Z
Liu
Mano
M
Misra