Photoelectrochemical performance and carrier lifetime of electrodes based on MWCNT-templated TiO2 nanoribbons

• Main Authors: J. C. Calva-Yáñez, M. Solís de la Fuente, M. Ramírez-Vargas, M. E. Rincón
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2018-07-01
• Series: Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy
• Subjects: Electron lifetime; C-doped TiO2; Photon to current efficiency
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40243-018-0126-8

Abstract Electron lifetime and photoelectrochemical performance of carbon-doped TiO2 electrodes are presented. Thin films of random disposed ribbon-like structures of C-doped TiO2 were applied onto FTO substrates using spray and dip-coating techniques. The fabricated electrodes show photocurrent enhancement 20 times greater than compact TiO2 electrode, and electron lifetimes 2 orders of magnitude lower than compact TiO2 films. Enhancement in photocurrent suggests a beneficial role of C-doping which compensates the transport properties expected to deteriorate in disordered and thicker architectures. Due to its large surface area, C-doped TiO2 electrodes can be used as matrix for the deposition of QD sensitizers for photovoltaic applications or as photoanode for photocatalytic applications. Still optimization on film thickness and passivation strategies must be implemented to increase the carrier lifetime.