Charge transport in anodic TiO2 nanotubes studied by terahertz spectroscopy

Abstract

We report on the photoelectrochemical and terahertz measurements, of the charge transport properties of 1 μm thick self-organized TiO2 nanotube layers, prepared by the anodization of titanium. We provide evidence regarding the complexity of electron transport, and dynamics in the nanotubes. Shortly after photoexcitation, charge mobilites in amorphous and crystalline nanotubes are similar, but still lower compared to the bulk anatase. The mobility subsequently decreases due to trapping-detrapping processes. The recombination rate in anatase nanotubes is much slower than in the amorphous ones, enabling the material to reach an internal photon to electron conversion efficiency exceeding 60%.