Abstract: Four kinds of different porous TiO₂ thin film electrodes were prepared by spreading and dip-coating methods. Surface morphology and microstructure were characterized by the SEM observations and structural parameters (porosity and surface roughness) determinations. Photocurrent action spectra with front and back side illuminations were used to study the photocurrent behaviours. The results indicate that the spreading TiO₂ thin film electrodes possess porous structure and different photocurrent behaviours compared with that of dip-coating TiO₂ thin film electrodes. The photoelectrochemical properties of spreading TiO₂ thin film electrodes can be improved by optimizing the film thickness and sintering temperature.

Key words: TiO₂ thin film, porosity, photocurrent response