Double-layer TiO2 inverse opal-based quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

The operation of dye-sensitized solar cells and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) depends strongly on the photoanode material employed. This is addressed in the present work by developing photoanodes based on a double-layer TiO 2 inverse opal material with different interconnected pore sizes in the bottom and upper layers for use in QDSSCs. The proposed photoanode material leads to better infiltration of the sensitizers and the hole transporting material through the entire depth of the TiO 2 layer. Double-layer TiO 2 inverse opal-based QDSSCs are demonstrated to facilitate the greater absorbance of quantum dots and obtain higher photocurrent and power conversion efficiency than QDSSCs adopting single-layer TiO 2 inverse opal photoanodes. Various QDSSCs employing double-layer TiO 2 inverse opal photoanodes with different pore sizes in the layers are tested. The CdS/CdSe co-sensitized solar cell adopting the optimum photoanode configuration and thickness provided the highest QDSSC conversion efficiency of 5.79%.

An investigation of the effects of ZnO inverse opal pore size in the composite of ZnO nanorods/ZnO inverse opal on the performance of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

“…For most of the typical QDSSC devices, the J sc value is from several to more than ten mA cm −2 . 7,8,12,26,27,32–34 In this study, the QDSSCs based on the ZnO composite had a high J sc value, of >26 mA cm −2 , and high PCE values. Specifically, when the pore diameter of ZnO in the composite was 800 nm, the corresponding QDSSC achieved a maximum PCE value of 7.26%.…”

“…This two-step dipping process was regarded as one successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) cycle, and the incorporated amount of CdS could be increased by repeating the assembly cycles. 19,26,27 A total of 12 SILAR cycles were performed, and the glass was then air-dried.…”

Recent Progresses in Quantum‐Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells: The Role of Counter Electrodes

“…Jingsha Jin et al [106] studied the effect of pore size of TiO 2 nanostructure on QDSSC efficiency. The photoanode was composed of two layers of TiO 2 , with different pore sizes.…”

Preparation of a CeO2 ball-core structure and its application in quantum dot sensitized solar cells

“…14 The stronger the light scattering ability, the higher the photoelectric conversion efficiency. 15 As a semiconductor material used in QDSSCs, 16 TiO 2 has good stability, strong compatibility, low cost, and easy availability. [17][18][19] The electrolyte does not destroy the material and it is environmentally friendly, so it is useful in electronics, photocatalysis, photoelectric conversion, and biological sensors and other fields have attracted the attention of scientific researchers.…”