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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
Interconnected TiO2 nanobelt networks were prepared to serve as anode materials. The aim is to enhance the electron transport through the anode of dye-sensitized solar cells. Using an alkaline hydrothermal procedure and by controlling the reaction time, two kinds of nanostructures were synthesized: TiO2 nanobelts and the mixture of TiO2 nanobelts/TiO2 nanoparticles. This investigation suggests that TiO2 nanobelts are the result of the rearrangement of the [Ti(OH)6]2- monomers formed during the erosion process of TiO2 nanoparticles. The nanostructures of as-synthesized nanobelts were woven and interconnected, resulting in networks after an annealing process. Raman analysis indicates that both kinds of nanostructures were pure anatase. Electrical characterization suggests that the conductivities of these TiO2 nanobelt networks were higher than those of the TiO2 nanoparticle films. Under simulated sunlight with an intensity of AM 1.5 G, the solar cells made of TiO2 nanobelt networks show exceptional photocurrent in comparison to those made of TiO2 nanoparticles.