1D rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays decorated with CdSe for solar energy conversion

Abstract

One-dimensional TiO2 nanostructures are grown directly on transparent, conductive glass substrate using hydrothermal/solvothermal methods. The reaction in aqueous media produces vertically aligned TiO2 nanorod film whereas a switch to organic media leads to the formation of randomly oriented TiO2 nanoribbon film. When employed as a photoanode in photoelectrochemical cells, the vertically aligned TiO2 nanorod array exhibits slower charge recombination at electrolyte interface than mesoscopic TiO2 particulate film. CdSe nanocrystallites are electrochemically deposited onto TiO2 nanorod array to extend absorption into visible light region. Photoelectrochemical properties and charge transfer kinetics of the CdSe-sensitized TiO2 nano-architecture are examined in this study.