Evaluation of TiO₂ Nanoparticle Thin Films Prepared by Electrophoresis Deposition

Abstract:

The absence of cracks and a high optical transparency are critical factors for obtaining high performance when TiO₂ thin films are used as photocatalysts and as the cathode material in dye-sensitized solar cells. Synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles were deposited by constant-current electrophoresis in ethanol. TiO₂ nanoparticle thin films deposited at a low current density had no apparent cracks and a high optical transparency. Small TiO₂ nanoparticles deposited are thought to be transported at low current densities. This enables TiO₂ nanoparticle chains to form by the oriented attachment mechanism and thereby increases the electron diffusion length.