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Controlled Synthesis of Au Nanocrystals-Metal Selenide Hybrid Nanostructures toward Plasmon-Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10030564. [PMID: 32245031 PMCID: PMC7153708 DOI: 10.3390/nano10030564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A simple method for the controllable synthesis of Au nanocrystals–metal selenide hybrid nanostructures via amino acid guiding strategy is proposed. The results show that the symmetric overgrowth mode of PbSe shells on Au nanorods can be precisely manipulated by only adjusting the initial concentration of Pb2+. The shape of Au–PbSe hybrids can evolve from dumbbell-like to yolk-shell. Interestingly, the plasmonic absorption enhancement could be tuned by the symmetry of these hybrid nanostructures. This provides an effective pathway for maneuvering plasmon-induced energy transfer in metal–semiconductor hybrids. In addition, the photoactivities of Au–PbSe nanorods sensitized TiO2 electrodes have been further evaluated. Owing to the synergism between effective plasmonic enhancement effect and efficient interfacial charge transfer in these hybrid nanostructures, the Au–PbSe yolk-shell nanorods exhibit an outstanding photocurrent activity. Their photocurrent density is 4.38 times larger than that of Au–PbSe dumbbell-like nanorods under light irradiation at λ > 600 nm. As a versatile method, the proposed strategy can also be employed to synthesize other metal–selenide hybrid nanostructures (such as Au–CdSe, Au–Bi2Se3 and Au–CuSe).
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2
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Kraus S, Bonn M, Cánovas E. Room-temperature solution-phase epitaxial nucleation of PbS quantum dots on rutile TiO 2 (100). NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2020; 2:377-383. [PMID: 36134011 PMCID: PMC9417650 DOI: 10.1039/c9na00601j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Owing to its simplicity and versatility, the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method is increasingly being employed to develop low-cost hetero-nanostructured sensitized oxide systems for solar energy conversion, such as solar cells and solar fuels schemes. Understanding the nature of the SILAR quantum dot (QD) nucleation and growth on an insulating oxide is then critical as it will determine the QD density and spatial distribution, as well as the optoelectronic properties of the QD/oxide interfaces (e.g. QD bandgap onset). Here, we demonstrate epitaxial nucleation of lead sulfide (PbS) QDs onto a planar rutile titanium dioxide (100) surface employing the SILAR method. The QDs nucleated by SILAR are crystalline structures characterized by a truncated pyramidal shape, with nucleation occurring preferentially along the rutile (010) and (001) crystal orientations. The PbS QD size distribution is constrained by lattice mismatch causing strain in the lead sulfide. These results highlight the potential of SILAR for the facile growth of high-quality epitaxial nanostructures in liquid phase, under ambient conditions and at room temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kraus
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Mischa Bonn
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Enrique Cánovas
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia (IMDEA Nanociencia) Faraday 9 28049 Madrid Spain
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3
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Chen L, Chen WL, Wang XL, Li YG, Su ZM, Wang EB. Polyoxometalates in dye-sensitized solar cells. Chem Soc Rev 2019; 48:260-284. [PMID: 30451261 DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00559a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are the third generation of photovoltaic cells developed by Grätzel and O'Regan. They have the characteristics of low cost, simple manufacturing process, tunable optical properties, and higher photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE). With an ever increasing energy crisis, there is an urgent need to develop highly efficient, environmentally benign, and energy-saving cell materials. Polyoxometalates (POMs), a kind of molecular inorganic quasi-semiconductor, are promising candidates for use in different parts of DSSCs due to their excellent photosensitivity, redox, and catalytic properties, as well as their relative stability. Following a brief introduction to the development of DSSCs and the potential virtues of POMs in DSSCs, we attempt to make some generalizations about the energy level regulation of POMs that is the underlying theoretical basis for their application in DSSCs, and then we summarize the research progress of POMs in DSSCs in recent years. This is organized in terms of the properties of POMs, namely, electron acceptor, photosensitivity, redox and catalysis, based on the accumulation of our research into POMs over many years. Meanwhile, in view of the fact that the properties of POMs depend primarily on their electronic structural diversity, we keep this point in mind throughout the article with a view to revealing their structure-property relationships. Finally we provide a short summary and remarks on the future outlook. This review may be of interest to synthetic chemists devoted to designing POMs with specific structures, and researchers engaged in the extension of POMs to photoelectric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate Science of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, P. R. China.
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4
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Ivanou D, Ivanova YA, Poznyak S, Starykevich M, Ferreira M, Mendes A, Streltsov E. Spectral sensitization of TiO 2 with electrodeposited PbSe: improvement of photocurrent stability and light conversion efficiency. Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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5
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Kozytskiy AV, Stroyuk OL, Raevskaya AE, Kuchmy SY. Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells with Semiconductor Nanoparticles and Liquid Electrolytes: a Review. THEOR EXP CHEM+ 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11237-017-9512-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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6
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Shestha A, Yin Y, Andersson GG, Spooner NA, Qiao S, Dai S. Versatile PbS Quantum Dot Ligand Exchange Systems in the Presence of Pb-Thiolates. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2017; 13:1602956. [PMID: 27860268 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201602956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A robust solution phase ligand exchange system for lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs) in the presence of Pb-thiolate ligands is presented that can better preserve the excitonic absorption and emission features as compared to the conventional ligands. The photoluminescence after ligand exchange of PbS QDs with Pb-thiolate ligand is preserved up to 78% of the original oleate capped PbS QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aabhash Shestha
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Yanting Yin
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, PO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Gunther G Andersson
- Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, PO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Nigel A Spooner
- School of Physical Sciences, Department of Physics, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- DST Group, PO Box 1500, Edinburgh, SA, 5111, Australia
| | - Shizhang Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Sheng Dai
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- School of Physical Sciences, Department of Physics, The University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- DST Group, PO Box 1500, Edinburgh, SA, 5111, Australia
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7
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Xu Y, Wu S, Wan P, Sun J, Hood ZD. Introducing Ti3+defects based on lattice distortion for enhanced visible light photoreactivity in TiO2microspheres. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra04885h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined effect of lattice distortion and Ti3+defects greatly improves the visible light photocatalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfan Xu
- Electron Microscopy Center of Chongqing University
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Chongqing University
- Chongqing
- China
| | - Sujuan Wu
- Electron Microscopy Center of Chongqing University
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Chongqing University
- Chongqing
- China
| | - Piaopiao Wan
- Electron Microscopy Center of Chongqing University
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Chongqing University
- Chongqing
- China
| | - Jianguo Sun
- Electron Microscopy Center of Chongqing University
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Chongqing University
- Chongqing
- China
| | - Zachary D. Hood
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Atlanta
- USA
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences
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8
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Interfacial passivation mechanism of sulfide towards quantum dot-sensitized nanocrystalline thin films. J Solid State Electrochem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10008-016-3438-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Odling G, Robertson N. BiVO4-TiO2Composite Photocatalysts for Dye Degradation Formed Using the SILAR Method. Chemphyschem 2016; 17:2872-80. [DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201600443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gylen Odling
- School of Chemistry; University of Edinburgh; Joseph Black Building; David Brewster Road Edinburgh EH9 3FJ Scotland
| | - Neil Robertson
- School of Chemistry; University of Edinburgh; Joseph Black Building; David Brewster Road Edinburgh EH9 3FJ Scotland
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10
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Park JK, Heo JH, Han HJ, Lee MH, Song DH, You MS, Sung SJ, Kim DH, Im SH. Efficient hysteresis-less bilayer type CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite hybrid solar cells. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 27:024004. [PMID: 26618542 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/2/024004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Bilayer type CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskite hybrid solar cells were fabricated via a one-step spin-coating process by using solubility controlled MAPbI3 solutions of MAPbI3-DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and MAPbI3-DMF (N, N-dimethylformamide)-HI. The best DMSO-bilayer device showed 1.07 ± 0.02 V V(oc) (open-circuit voltage), 20.2 ± 0.1 mA cm(-2) J(sc) (short-circuit current density), 68 ± 2% FF (fill factor), and 15.2 ± 0.3% η (overall power conversion efficiency) under the forward scan direction and 1.07 ± 0.02 V V(oc), 20.4 ± 0.1 mA cm(-2) J(sc), 70 ± 3% FF, and 15.9 ± 0.4% η under the reverse scan direction. The best HI-bilayer device had 1.08 ± 0.02 V V(oc), 20.6 ± 0.1 mA cm(-2) J(sc), 75 ± 1% FF, and 17.2 ± 0.2% η under the forward scan direction and 1.08 ± 0.02 V V(oc), 20.6 ± 0.1 mA cm(-2) J(sc), 76 ± 2% FF, and 17.4 ± 0.3% η under the reverse scan direction. The deviation of average device efficiency (η(avg)) of 20 DMSO samples and 20 HI samples was 14.2 ± 0.95% and 16.2 ± 0.85%, respectively. Therefore, the HI-bilayer devices exhibited better device efficiency and smaller J-V (current density-voltage) hysteresis with respect to the scan direction than the DMSO-bilayer devices due to the reduced recombination and traps by the formation of a purer and larger MAPbI3 perovskite crystalline film.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Kyoung Park
- Functional Crystallization Center (ERC), Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Korea
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11
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Mazumdar S, Tamilselvan M, Bhattacharyya AJ. Optimizing Photovoltaic Response by Tuning Light-Harvesting Nanocrystal Shape Synthesized Using a Quick Liquid-Gas Phase Reaction. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:28188-28196. [PMID: 26484562 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b08595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The electron recombination lifetime in a sensitized semiconductor assembly is greatly influenced by the crystal structure and geometric form of the light-harvesting semiconductor nanocrystal. When such light harvesters with varying structural characteristics are configured in a photoanode, its interface with the electrolyte becomes equally important and directly influences the photovoltaic efficiency. We have systematically probed here the influence of nanocrystal crystallographic structure and shape on the electron recombination lifetime and its eventual influence on the light to electricity conversion efficiency of a liquid junction semiconductor sensitized solar cell. The light-harvesting cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals of distinctly different and controlled shapes are obtained using a novel and simple liquid-gas phase synthesis method performed at different temperatures involving very short reaction times. High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic studies respectively exhibit different crystallographic phase content and optical properties. When assembled on a mesoscopic TiO2 film by a linker molecule, they exhibit remarkable variation in electron recombination lifetime by 1 order of magnitude, as determined by ac-impedance spectroscopy. This also drastically affects the photovoltaic efficiency of the differently shaped nanocrystal sensitized solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Mazumdar
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Muthusamy Tamilselvan
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Aninda J Bhattacharyya
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore 560012, India
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12
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Tanaka K, Jin-nouchi Y, Fujishima M, Tada H. Lead selenide–Titanium dioxide heteronanojunction formation by photocatalytic current doubling-induced two-step photodeposition technique. J Colloid Interface Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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13
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Li R, Lv H, Zhang X, Liu P, Chen L, Cheng J, Zhao B. Vibrational spectroscopy and density functional theory study of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2015; 148:369-374. [PMID: 25913136 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2015.03.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA/pMBA) was designed as a model molecule for theoretical and experimental studies of the molecule structure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to predict the IR and Raman spectra for the molecule. In addition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra of the compound have been obtained experimentally. Based on the modeling results obtained at the B3LYP/6-311++G(∗∗) level, all FTIR and Raman bands of the compound obtained experimentally were assigned. Our calculated vibrational frequencies are in good agreement with the experimental vales. The molecular electrostatic potential surface calculation was performed and the result suggested that the 4-MBA had two hydrogen bond donors and three hydrogen bond acceptors. HOMO-LUMO gap was also obtained theoretically at B3LYP/6-311++G(∗∗) level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Haiming Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; Center for Composite Material, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Peipei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jianbo Cheng
- The Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
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14
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Detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and investigation of efficient visible-light-responsive photocatalysis via nanoscale PbSe sensitized TiO2. Sep Purif Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2015.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Meng L, Liu Y, Zhang J, Bai S, Luo R, Chen A, Lin Y. Efficiency enhancement of PbS quantum dots-sensitized nanocrystalline SnO2 thin film prepared by two-phase method. J Solid State Electrochem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10008-015-3000-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Carey GH, Abdelhady AL, Ning Z, Thon SM, Bakr OM, Sargent EH. Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells. Chem Rev 2015; 115:12732-63. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 844] [Impact Index Per Article: 93.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Graham H. Carey
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Ahmed L. Abdelhady
- Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Solar & Photovoltaics Engineering Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhijun Ning
- School
of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike
Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Susanna M. Thon
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Osman M. Bakr
- Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Solar & Photovoltaics Engineering Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Edward H. Sargent
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4, Canada
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17
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Concina I, Vomiero A. Metal oxide semiconductors for dye- and quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2015; 11:1744-1774. [PMID: 25523717 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201402334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This Review provides a brief summary of the most recent research developments in the synthesis and application of nanostructured metal oxide semiconductors for dye sensitized and quantum dot sensitized solar cells. In these devices, the wide bandgap semiconducting oxide acts as the photoanode, which provides the scaffold for light harvesters (either dye molecules or quantum dots) and electron collection. For this reason, proper tailoring of the optical and electronic properties of the photoanode can significantly boost the functionalities of the operating device. Optimization of the functional properties relies with modulation of the shape and structure of the photoanode, as well as on application of different materials (TiO2, ZnO, SnO2) and/or composite systems, which allow fine tuning of electronic band structure. This aspect is critical because it determines exciton and charge dynamics in the photoelectrochemical system and is strictly connected to the photoconversion efficiency of the solar cell. The different strategies for increasing light harvesting and charge collection, inhibiting charge losses due to recombination phenomena, are reviewed thoroughly, highlighting the benefits of proper photoanode preparation, and its crucial role in the development of high efficiency dye sensitized and quantum dot sensitized solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Concina
- CNR-INO SENSOR Lab, Via Branze 45, 25123, Brescia, Italy; University of Brescia, Via Valotti 9, 25133, Brescia, Italy
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18
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Guijarro N, Guillén E, Lana-Villarreal T, Gómez R. Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on directly adsorbed zinc copper indium sulfide colloids. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 16:9115-22. [PMID: 24700258 DOI: 10.1039/c4cp00294f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Heavy metal-based quantum dots (QDs) have been demonstrated to behave as efficient sensitizers in QD-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), as attested by the countless studies and encouraging efficiencies reported so far. However, their intrinsic toxicity has arisen as a major issue for the prospects of commercialization. Here, we examine the potential of environmentally friendly zinc copper indium sulfide (ZCIS) QDs for the fabrication of liquid-junction QDSSCs by means of photoelectrochemical measurements. A straightforward approach to directly adsorb ZCIS QDs on TiO2 from a colloidal dispersion is presented. Incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) spectra of sensitized photoanodes show a marked dependence on adsorption time, with longer times leading to poorer performances. Cyclic voltammograms point to a blockage of the channels of the mesoporous TiO2 film by the agglomeration of QDs as the main reason for the decrease in efficiency. Photoanodes were also subjected to the ZnS treatment. Its effects on electron recombination with the electrolyte are analyzed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photopotential measurements. The corresponding results bring out the role of the ZnS coating as a barrier layer in preventing electron leakage toward the electrolyte, as argued in other QD-sensitized systems. The beneficial effect of the ZnS coating is ultimately reflected in the power conversion efficiency of complete devices, reaching values of 2%. In a more general vein, through these findings, we aim to call the attention to the potentiality of this quaternary alloy, virtually unexplored as a light harvester for sensitized devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Guijarro
- Institut Universitari d'Electroquímica i Departament de Química Fisica, Universitat d'Alacant, Apartat 99, E-03080 Alacant, Spain.
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Li R, Sui H, Liu P, Chen L, Cheng J, Zhao B. Vibrational spectroscopy and density functional theory study of ninhydrin. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2015; 136 Pt C:1642-1648. [PMID: 25459727 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2014.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, ninhydrin was designed as a model molecule for theoretical and experimental studies of the molecule structure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to predict the IR and Raman spectra for the molecule. In addition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra of the compound have been obtained experimentally. Based on the modeling results obtained at the B3LYP/6-311++G** level, all FTIR and Raman bands of the compound obtained experimentally were assigned. Our calculated vibrational frequencies are in good agreement with the experimental values. The molecular electrostatic potential surface calculation was performed and the result suggested that the ninhydrin had two potential hydrogen bond donors and four potential hydrogen bond acceptors. HOMO-LUMO gap was also obtained theoretically at B3LYP/6-311++G** level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Huimin Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Peipie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jianbo Cheng
- The Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
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Yu S, Li ZJ, Fan XB, Li JX, Zhan F, Li XB, Tao Y, Tung CH, Wu LZ. Vectorial electron transfer for improved hydrogen evolution by mercaptopropionic-acid-regulated CdSe quantum-dots-TiO2 -Ni(OH)2 assembly. CHEMSUSCHEM 2015; 8:642-649. [PMID: 25470751 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201402885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A visible-light-induced hydrogen evolution system based on a CdSe quantum dots (QDs)-TiO2 -Ni(OH)2 ternary assembly has been constructed under an ambient environment, and a bifunctional molecular linker, mercaptopropionic acid, is used to facilitate the interaction between CdSe QDs and TiO2 . This hydrogen evolution system works effectively in a basic aqueous solution (pH 11.0) to achieve a hydrogen evolution rate of 10.1 mmol g(-1) h(-1) for the assembly and a turnover frequency of 5140 h(-1) with respect to CdSe QDs (10 h); the latter is comparable with the highest value reported for QD systems in an acidic environment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and control experiments demonstrate that Ni(OH)2 is an efficient hydrogen evolution catalyst. In addition, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and the emission decay of the assembly combined with the hydrogen evolution experiments show that TiO2 functions mainly as the electron mediator; the vectorial electron transfer from CdSe QDs to TiO2 and then from TiO2 to Ni(OH)2 enhances the efficiency for hydrogen evolution. The assembly comprises light antenna CdSe QDs, electron mediator TiO2 , and catalytic Ni(OH)2 , which mimics the strategy of photosynthesis exploited in nature and takes us a step further towards artificial photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (P.R. China), Fax: (+86) 10-8254-3580; These authors contributed equally to this work
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Guijarro N, Prévot MS, Sivula K. Surface modification of semiconductor photoelectrodes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 17:15655-74. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cp01992c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
An overview of surface engineering approaches to enhance the photoelectrochemical performance of commmon semiconductor photoelectrodes for solar energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Guijarro
- Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Optoelectronic Nanomaterials
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- 1015-Lausanne
- Switzerland
| | - Mathieu S. Prévot
- Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Optoelectronic Nanomaterials
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- 1015-Lausanne
- Switzerland
| | - Kevin Sivula
- Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Optoelectronic Nanomaterials
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- 1015-Lausanne
- Switzerland
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22
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Chang JY, Chang SC, Tzing SH, Li CH. Development of nonstoichiometric CuInS₂ as a light-harvesting photoanode and catalytic photocathode in a sensitized solar cell. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:22272-22281. [PMID: 25420094 DOI: 10.1021/am5061992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A simple one-pot approach was developed to obtain nonstoichiometric CuInS2 nanocrystals. Using this approach, both In-rich and Cu-rich CuInS2 nanocrystals could be reliably synthesized by tuning stoichiometric combinations of [Cu]/[In] precursor constituents. By designing Cu-rich CuInS2 heteronanostructures to serve as counter electrodes, quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) equipped with In-rich CuInS2 and CdS cosensitizers delivered a power conversion efficiency of 2.37%, which is significantly more efficient than conventional Pt counter electrodes. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report utilizing nonstoichiometric CuInS2 nanocrystals as a photon-harvesting sensitizer comprised of a photoanode and photocathode in QDSSCs; also unique to this report, these nonstoichiometric CuInS2 nanocrystals were formed by simply changing the cationic molar ratios without complicated precursor preparation. Impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization indicated that these Cu-rich CuInS2 heteronanostructures had electrocatalytic activities (used for reducing S(2-)/Sn(2-)) that were superior to a Pt catalyst. Moreover, we demonstrated that Cu-rich CuInS2 heteronanostructures were also useful counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells, and this finding revealed a promising conversion efficiency of 6.11%, which was ∼96% of the efficiency in a cell with a Pt-based counter electrode (6.32%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yaw Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology , Taipei City, Taiwan
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Guijarro N, Prévot MS, Sivula K. Enhancing the Charge Separation in Nanocrystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 Photocathodes for Photoelectrochemical Application: The Role of Surface Modifications. J Phys Chem Lett 2014; 5:3902-3908. [PMID: 26278767 DOI: 10.1021/jz501996s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) colloidal inks were employed to prepare thin-film photocathodes that served as a model system to interrogate the effect of different surface treatments, viz. CdS, CdSe, and ZnSe buffer layers along with methylviologen (MV) adsorption, on the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance using aqueous Eu(3+) redox electrolyte. PEC experiments revealed that ZnSe and CdSe overlayers outperform traditional CdS, and the additional surface modification with MV was found to further boost the charge extraction. By analyzing the photocurrent onset behavior and measuring the open circuit photopotentials, insights are gained into the nature of the observed improvements. While a more favorable conduction band offset rationalizes the improvement offered by CdSe, charge transfer through midgap states is invoked for ZnSe. Improvement offered by MV treatment is clearly caused by both the shifting of the flat-band potential and a charge-transfer mediation effect. Overall, this work suggests promising alternative surface treatments for CZTS photocathodes for PEC energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Guijarro
- Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Optoelectronic Nanomaterials, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Station 6, 1015-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu S Prévot
- Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Optoelectronic Nanomaterials, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Station 6, 1015-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Sivula
- Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Optoelectronic Nanomaterials, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Station 6, 1015-Lausanne, Switzerland
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24
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Hod I, Zaban A. Materials and interfaces in quantum dot sensitized solar cells: challenges, advances and prospects. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2014; 30:7264-7273. [PMID: 24369734 DOI: 10.1021/la403768j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) have emerged as attractive candidates for constructing efficient third-generation photoelectrochemical solar cells. Despite a starting point of relatively low performing solar cells, we have been witnessing a boost in scientific research conducted both from the material and the physical points of view, leading to a huge leap in our understanding of the operational mechanisms of QDSSCs followed by a significant improvement of their conversion efficiencies to about 7%. In this feature article, we give an overview of the four main materials and interfaces constructing the QDSSC: (1) sensitizer materials, (2) TiO2/QDs/electrolyte interface, (3) redox electrolyte, and (4) counter electrode. We focus on the scientific challenges associated with each one of the materials/interfaces while highlighting the recent advances achieved in overcoming those obstacles. Finally, we discuss possible future directions for this field of research with an aim toward highly efficient QD-sensitized solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idan Hod
- Chemistry Department, Bar Ilan University , Ramat-Gan, Israel 52900
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25
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Li R, Ji W, Chen L, Lv H, Cheng J, Zhao B. Vibrational spectroscopy and density functional theory study of 4-mercaptophenol. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2014; 122:698-703. [PMID: 24361735 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2013.11.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, 4-mercaptophenol (4-MPH) was designed as a model molecule for theoretical and experimental studies of the molecule structure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to predict the IR and Raman spectra for the molecule. In addition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra of the compound have been obtained experimentally. All FTIR and Raman bands of the compound obtained experimentally were assigned based on the modeling results obtained at the B3LYP/6-311+G(**) level. Our calculated vibrational frequencies are in good agreement with the experimental vales. The molecular electrostatic potential surface calculation was performed and the result suggested that the 4-MPH has two hydrogen bond donors and three hydrogen bond acceptors. HOMO-LUMO gap was also obtained theoretically at B3LYP/6-311+G** level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Wei Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Haiming Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; Center for Composite Material, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Jianbo Cheng
- The Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
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26
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Kramer IJ, Sargent EH. The Architecture of Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells: Materials to Devices. Chem Rev 2013; 114:863-82. [DOI: 10.1021/cr400299t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 401] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Illan J. Kramer
- Edward S. Rogers Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Edward H. Sargent
- Edward S. Rogers Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4, Canada
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27
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Buhbut S, Itzhakov S, Hod I, Oron D, Zaban A. Photo-induced dipoles: a new method to convert photons into photovoltage in quantum dot sensitized solar cells. NANO LETTERS 2013; 13:4456-4461. [PMID: 23937343 DOI: 10.1021/nl402360f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A high photovoltage is an essential ingredient for the construction of a high-efficiency quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC). In this paper we present a novel configuration of QDSSC which incorporates the photoinduced dipole (PID) phenomenon for improved open circuit voltage (Voc). This configuration, unlike previously studied ones with molecular dipoles, is based on a dipole moment which is created only under illumination and is a result of exciton dissociation. The generation of photodipoles was achieved by the creation of long-lived trapped holes inside a core of type-II ZnSe/CdS colloidal core/shell QDs, which are placed on top of the standard CdS QD sensitizer layer. Upon photoexcitation, the created photodipole negatively shifts the TiO2 energy bands, resulting in a photovoltage that is higher by ∼100 mV compared to the standard cell, without type-II QDs. The extra photovoltage gained diminishes the excessive overpotential losses caused by the energetic difference between the CdS sensitizer layer and the TiO2, without harming the charge injection processes. Moreover, we show that the extent of the additional photovoltage is controlled by the illumination intensity. This work provides new understanding regarding the operation mechanisms of photoelectrochemical cells, while presenting a new strategy for constructing a high-voltage QDSSCs. In addition, the PID effect has the potential to be implemented in other promising photovoltaic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Buhbut
- Deparment of Chemistry, Bar Ilan University , Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
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28
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de la Fuente MS, Sánchez RS, González-Pedro V, Boix PP, Mhaisalkar SG, Rincón ME, Bisquert J, Mora-Seró I. Effect of Organic and Inorganic Passivation in Quantum-Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells. J Phys Chem Lett 2013; 4:1519-25. [PMID: 26282308 DOI: 10.1021/jz400626r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The effect of semiconductor passivation on quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) has been systematically characterized for CdS and CdS/ZnS. We have found that passivation strongly depends on the passivation agent, obtaining an enhancement of the solar cell efficiency for compounds containing amine and thiol groups and, in contrast, a decrease in performance for passivating agents with acid groups. Passivation can induce a change in the position of TiO2 conduction band and also in the recombination rate and nature, reflected in a change in the β parameter. Especially interesting is the finding that β, and consequently the fill factor can be increased with the passivation treatment. Applying this strategy, record cells of 4.65% efficiency for PbS-based QDSCs have been produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Solis de la Fuente
- †Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 34, Temixco, Mor., México 62580
| | - Rafael S Sánchez
- ‡Photovoltaic and Optoelectronic Devices Group, Departament de Física, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Victoria González-Pedro
- ‡Photovoltaic and Optoelectronic Devices Group, Departament de Física, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Pablo P Boix
- §Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), Nanyang Technological University, Research Techno Plaza, RTP/XF-05 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553
| | - S G Mhaisalkar
- §Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), Nanyang Technological University, Research Techno Plaza, RTP/XF-05 50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553
| | - Marina E Rincón
- †Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 34, Temixco, Mor., México 62580
| | - Juan Bisquert
- ‡Photovoltaic and Optoelectronic Devices Group, Departament de Física, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Iván Mora-Seró
- ‡Photovoltaic and Optoelectronic Devices Group, Departament de Física, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
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