Novel photoanode based on hierarchically structured Ti–P double oxide

Abstract

A new electricity source is a hot topic for material scientist working for the development of a new reliable, stable and green generation of energy. An exponential growth of the energy consumption in the last few decades raised the concerns about limitations of the conventional energy supply, let alone ecological problems. A considerable effort has been made by scientific community to meet the challenge of the efficient conversion of the sunlight to the electricity. Widespread application of the photovoltaic panels lowered the greenhouse burden in developed countries. Simultaneously, a significant momentum was given to the so-called 3rd generation photovoltaics, based on the highly efficient organic dyes, deposited on the photoanodes. Such photoanodes must meet a set of requirements: high porosity, for increased deposition of the organic dye, and a developed network of the charge draining channels for efficient charge transfer to the photoanode. An emergence of a novel hierarchically structured materials helped to meet abovementioned demands and created a solid ground for advanced photovoltaics. In this work, we test a novel hierarchically structured Ti–P double oxide as a dye-deposition substrate for photoanode as a perspective material for 3rd generation of photovoltaics. Preliminary results prove novel structures are efficient, yet need practical modifications.