Solar cells by design. Photoelectrochemistry of TiO2 nanorod arrays decorated with CdSe

Abstract One‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures of TiO 2 are grown directly on transparent, conductive glass substrate using hydrothermal/solvothermal methods. When employed as a photoanode in photoelectrochemical cells, the vertically aligned TiO 2 nanorod array exhibits slower charge recombination at electrolyte interface as compared to mesoscopic TiO 2 particulate film. Electrochemical deposition of CdSe onto TiO 2 nanorod array is carried out to extend absorption into visible light region. The role of CdSe‐sensitized, 1D rutile TiO 2 architecture in the solar cell design is discussed.