Generic method for preparing anatase TiO2 nano tree array on a plurality of metal wires

On March 20, Scientific Journals, a journal of Nature Publishing Group, published online the latest research results of fiber-batteries led by Prof. Gao Yihua. Graduate students Chu Liang and Tu Fanfan, with the help of Dr. Li Luying, Dr. Liu Shuangshuang and Dr. Su Jun, completed the preparation of anatase TiO2 nanometers on a multi-metal wire for fiber dye-sensitized solar cells. "A General Method for Preparing Anatase TiO2 Treelike-Nanoarrays on Various Metal Wires for Fiber Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, Sci. Rep. 4, 4420 (2014)).

The fiber battery has a three-dimensional photon capture structure, which enables the miniaturization of photovoltaic cells and can be woven on the outer walls of clothing and buildings. This structural battery can also meet the needs of field survival for renewable energy, and its scientific and strategic significance is significant. This study was included in the "973" national major scientific research plan. The research group's research focused on the country's major strategic needs. Through an easy one-step hydrothermal reaction method, an anatase TiO2 dendrimer array was prepared on a variety of metal wires.

The TiO2 nano-trunk of this structure has long-range charge transport channels, while a large number of branches of short TiO2 nano-rods have a large specific surface area. The anatase TiO2 dendrimer array was applied to the photoanode of fiber dye-sensitized solar energy with the highest conversion efficiency of 6.32%. This efficiency is the higher value of the fiber dye-sensitized solar cell reported internationally. This general preparation method can realize the preparation of anatase TiO2 dendrimer nanoarrays on various substrates. The method is simple, easy to implement, low cost, and can meet the requirements of various photoelectric applications of TiO2 to the substrate.

The study was supported by the 973 Project (No. 2011CB933300), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 11074082, 11204093, 11374110, 51371085, 11304106) and the Huazhong University of Science and Technology Independent Innovation Fund (Nos. 2012QN114, 2013TS033).