Photoinduced electron transfer dynamics in dye-sensitized ZnO nanowire photoanodes

Abstract

A photoanode using dye-sensitized ZnO nanowire (NW) is a good candidate for low-cost, colorful, light-weight and flexible solar cell material. We have synthesized a ZnO NW anode and a ZnO nanowire–nanoparticle (NWNP) anode, in which ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are decollated on the surface of NWs. Photo-induced electron transfer dynamics from the excited state of sensitizer dye (D149) to the conduction band of ZnO NW and ZnO NWNP was clarified using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The decay of the single excited state ([Formula: see text]) of D149 was faster in ZnO NW than that of ZnO NWNP, indicating that NW is more suitable as an efficient electron acceptor.