Sensitization of TiO2 nanotube array photoelectrodes with MnxCdySe

The photoanode obtained by the deposition of MnxCdySe nanocrystals onto TiO2 nanotube arrays using a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction technique realized a significant improvement in the charge transport and current generation compared with a pristine TiO2 nanotube based anode. The concentration of manganese was determined to be 10% of the concentration of cadmium, and thus x = 0.1y. The widening of absorption spectra and the magnitude of photocurrent density were found to be significantly affected with a variation in the number of SILAR cycles and the annealing temperature. A stable photocurrent density of similar to 8 mA cm(-2) under AM 1.5 illumination (1 sun) was achieved for MnxCdySe nanocrystals-embedded TiO2 nanotube arrays heterostructure based photoelectrodes prepared through 9 cycles of SILAR deposition, followed by annealing at 400 degrees C under a nitrogen atmosphere. The results obtained suggest the versatility of the MnxCdySe-sensitized TiO2 nanotube matrix as an efficient electrode for photovoltaic applications.