Synthesis of Hierarchical Porous ZnO Disklike Nanostructures for Improved Photovoltaic Properties of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

We report on the synthesis of a porous hierarchical disklike ZnO nanostructure fabricated via a simple low-temperature hydrothermal method for photovoltaic applications. The hierarchical ZnO nanostructures consist of porous ZnO nanowires growing in six symmetric directions and form a disklike shape. Owing to the enlarged surface area and natural electron collection routes of the ZnO hierarchical nanostructures, dye-sensitized solar cells based on these structures exhibit improved photovoltaic performance compared with that of the ZnO nanowire arrays. Our results suggest that porous hierarchical nanomaterials are promising materials for applications in dye-sensitized solar cells.