Abstract
A hollow TiO2 nanoribbon network electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) was fabricated by a biotemplating process combining peptide self-assembly and atomic layer deposition (ALD). An aromatic peptide of diphenylalanine was assembled into a three-dimensional network consisting of highly entangled nanoribbons. A thin TiO2 layer was deposited at the surface of the peptide template via the ALD process. After the pyrolysis of the peptide template, a highly entangled nanotubular TiO2 framework was successfully prepared. Evolution of the crystal phase and crystallite size of the TiO2 nanostructure was exploited by controlling the calcination temperature. Finally, the hollow TiO2 nanoribbon network electrode was integrated into DSSC devices and their photochemical performances were investigated. Hollow TiO2 nanoribbon-based DSSCs exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 3.8%, which is comparable to the conventional TiO 2 nanoparticle-based DSSCs (3.5%). Our approach offers a novel pathway for DSSCs consisting of TiO2 electrodes via biotemplating.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 185601 |
Journal | Nanotechnology |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 18 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Bioengineering
- General Chemistry
- General Materials Science
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering