TiO2 nanotubes for dye‐sensitized solar cells—A review

TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) are a potential candidate for the photoelectrode in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this review, emphasis is given to the fabrication methods of the TNT photoelectrode, including the anodic oxidation method, the hydro/solvothermal method, and the template method. Modification of TNTs to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and the long‐term stability of DSSCs is also covered. The active area of the DSSC strongly correlates with the PCE. Therefore, evaluating and comparing cell efficiencies with the same active area would be important. Reducing the material and manufacturing costs of TNT‐based DSSCs will be an important future target. TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) are a potential candidate for the photoelectrode in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this review, emphasis is given to the fabrication methods of the TNT photoelectrode, including the anodic oxidation method, the hydro/solvothermal method, and the template method. Modification of TNTs to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and the long‐term stability of DSSCs is also covered. The active area of the DSSC strongly correlates with the PCE. Therefore, evaluating and comparing cell efficiencies with the same active area would be important. Reducing the material and manufacturing costs of TNT‐based DSSCs will be an important future target.