title: CdS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on nano-branched TiO2 arrays.
abstract: Nano-branched rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays were grown on F:SnO2 conductive glass (FTO) by a facile, two-step wet chemical synthesis process at low temperature. The length of the nanobranches was tailored by controlling the growth time, after which CdS quantum dots were deposited on the nano-branched TiO2 arrays using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method to make a photoanode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). The photovoltaic properties of the CdS-sensitized nano-branched TiO2 solar cells were studied systematically. A short-circuit current intensity of approximately 7 mA/cm2 and a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 0.95% were recorded for cells based on optimized nano-branched TiO2 arrays, indicating an increase of 138% compared to those based on unbranched TiO2 nanorod arrays. The improved performance is attributed to a markedly enlarged surface area provided by the nanobranches and better electron conductivity in the one-dimensional, well-aligned TiO2 nanorod trunks.
authors.forename: Chang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yitan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Cuncun
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: School of Physics and State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China. cyx@sdu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Yanxue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Liangmo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mei
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jiao