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Composition tuning of CdSeXS1−X nanocrystals for enhancing the photovoltaic performance of CdS/CdSeXS1−X quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

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Abstract

In this work, CdSexS1−x QDs with X different value and compositions were prepared for utilization as light absorbing in the CdS/CdSexS1−x multiple quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. These QDs with X different value were deposited on the FTO/TiO2NPs/CdS/CdSeXS1−X/ZnS photoanode through the successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) method. Then the photovoltaic parameters were measured and extracted by different photovoltaic analyses. The X value was altered in the range of 0.1–0.4, and the corresponding cells were fabricated. According to the results, the best efficiency was achieved for the QDSCs with CdSeXS1-X, X = 0.3, light absorbing layer. The efficiency was increased about 39% compared to the reference CdSexS1-x free cell. The process of synthesis and deposition of CdSeXS1-X QDs was carried out in 5 cycles. In the following, the number of SILAR cycles was optimized for the X appropriate ratio. According to measurements, the FTO/TiO2NPs/CdS/CdSe0.3S0.7/ZnS photoanode structure with the CdSe0.3S0.7 layer deposited in 3 SILAR cycles, created and efficiency enhancement about 38% compared to the pervious maximum state. The IPCE curves were measured, and corresponding APCEs were extracted which showed a maximum quantum conversion efficiency about 75%, while the spectrum is spread in the wavelength range of 400–700 nm. This improvement in photovoltaic characteristics can be attributed to the broader light absorption region and higher light-harvesting efficiency. Besides, due to the performed calculations a cascade energy band diagram is formed between the CdS and CdSeS sensitizing layers which is suitable for well transfer of photogenerated electron–hole pair.

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  1. Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, 38156, Iran

    Saeedeh Souri & Maziar Marandi

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  1. Saeedeh Souri
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SS was in charge of the original research, preparing, carrying out and analyzing experiments, as well as writing the initial draft of the manuscript. Along with writing and final editing of the manuscript, MM was responsible for the design of the experiment, its supervision, and a technical and scientific examination of the findings from the analysis.

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Correspondence to Maziar Marandi.

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Souri, S., Marandi, M. Composition tuning of CdSeXS1−X nanocrystals for enhancing the photovoltaic performance of CdS/CdSeXS1−X quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. J Mater Sci 59, 3544–3560 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-024-09424-8

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