Photoelectrochemical studies on the TiO2 nanostructured porous film sensitized by pentamethylcyanine dye

The photoelectrochemical behavior of the TiO2 nanostructured porous film se nsitized by pentamethylcyanine dye was investigated. The ground state level and the excited state level of the dye were determined by using the cyclic voltammetry and the optical absorption spectroscopy. The results showed th at the excitation state level matched the conduction band edge of TiO2 nano particle. Therefore, the sensitization of this dye can increase the photocu rrent intensity of TiO2 nanostructured electrode obviously and results in a red-shift of optical absorption from the ultra-violet region to the visibl e and near infra-red region. As a result, the light-to-electricity conversi on efficiency was improved evidently.