Nanoparticulate dye-semiconductor hybrid materials formed by electrochemical self-assembly as electrodes in photoelectrochemical cells

Abstract

Dye-sensitized zinc oxide thin films were prepared, characterized and optimized for applications as photoelectrochemically active electrodes. Conditions were established under which crystalline thin films of ZnO with a porous texture were formed by electrochemically induced crystallization controlled by structure-directing agents (SDA). Dye molecules were adsorbed either directly as SDA during this preparation step or, preferably, following desorption of a SDA. The external quantum efficiency (IPCE) could thereby be increased significantly. Particular emphasis was laid on dye molecules that absorb in the red part of the visible spectrum. Model experiments under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions with dye molecules adsorbed on defined crystal planes of single crystals aimed at a deeper understanding of the coupling of the chromophore electronic π-system within molecular aggregates and to the semiconductor surface. Detailed photoelectrochemical kinetic measurements were used to characterize and optimize the electrochemically prepared dye-sensitized ZnO films. Parallel electrical characterization in vacuum served to distinguish between contributions of charge transport within the ZnO semiconductor matrix and the ions of the electrolyte in the pore system of the electrode.