Design of a hierarchical structure of ZnO by electrochemistry for ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells

摘要

A hierarchical structure with a large surface area and an efficient carrier transfer of the electrons has been developed. This structure is composed of zinc oxide nanorods surrounded by nanoporous zinc oxide and is obtained by a two-step cathodic electrodeposition. Different geometries could be identified whether the hierarchical structures have grown enough to join themselves or not. The first moments of the electrodeposition of the nanoporous structure on the nanorods have been investigated and it is revealed that a nanoporous layer is epitaxially deposited. Preliminary tests of dye-sensitized solar cell were prepared with this structure that confirmed the interest of the concept.