Nd₂(S, Se, Te)₃ Colloidal Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Energy Level Alignment, Charge Transfer Dynamics, and Their Applications to Solar Cells

Abstract

Novel and less toxic quantum dot (QD) semiconductors are desired for developing environmentally benign colloidal quantum dot solar cells.Here, the synthesis of novel lead/cadmium-free neodymium chalcogenide Nd 2 (S, Se, Te) 3 QDs via solution-processed method is reported for the fi rst time. The results show that small-bandgap semiconductor QDs with a narrow size distribution ranging from 2 to 8 nm can be produced, and the wide absorption band can be achieved by the redshift owing to the size quantization effect by controlling the initial loading of chalcogenide precursors. By analyzing the band structure of QDs and the energy level alignment between QDs and TiO 2 , the infl uence of energy offset between the conduction band edges of QDs and TiO 2 on the charge transfer dynamics and photovoltaic performance of QD solar cells (QDSCs) is investigated. Itis revealed that among the three types of QDs studied, Nd 2 Se 3 QDSCs with the smallest energy offset exhibit the best performances and a decent power conversion effi ciency of 3.19% is achieved. This work clearly demonstrates the promising potentials of novel rare earth chalcogenide quantum dots in photovoltaic applications.

Pontos quânticos ambientalmente amigáveis: destaque para o óxido de zinco

“…[115][116][117] Entre todas estas vantagens, a construção de células solares de baixo custo e alta eficiência tem sido de particular interesse devido ao seu potencial para atender às crescentes demandas sociais de recursos energéticos limpos e sustentáveis.…”

Stable and Efficient Nitrogen‐Containing Carbon‐Based Electrocatalysts for Reactions in Energy‐Conversion Systems

“…[1] The search for clean and renewable energy and the development of efficient energy-conversion systems that use as ubstitute for fossil fuels are receiving great attention.T he oxygen reduction reaction(ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction(HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxidationr eactions of formic acid and alcohols play important roles in developing sustainable energy-production and energy-conversion systems such as efficient fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water electrolysis. [1] The search for clean and renewable energy and the development of efficient energy-conversion systems that use as ubstitute for fossil fuels are receiving great attention.T he oxygen reduction reaction(ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction(HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxidationr eactions of formic acid and alcohols play important roles in developing sustainable energy-production and energy-conversion systems such as efficient fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water electrolysis.…”

“…The energy crisis is ak ey issue for today's human society. [1] The search for clean and renewable energy and the development of efficient energy-conversion systems that use as ubstitute for fossil fuels are receiving great attention.T he oxygen reduction reaction(ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction(HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxidationr eactions of formic acid and alcohols play important roles in developing sustainable energy-production and energy-conversion systems such as efficient fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water electrolysis. High-performancee lectrocatalysts are urgently needed because the rates of these reactions are too low if they are not catalyzed.…”

Spatial confinement growth of perovskite nanocrystals for ultra-flexible solar cells

“…[1][2][3] Numerous studies on PSCs have lied on advanced cell architectures [4][5][6][7][8] or simplified solution fabrication process, 9,10 with rising power conversion efficiency comparable to silicon solar cells. [1][2][3] Numerous studies on PSCs have lied on advanced cell architectures [4][5][6][7][8] or simplified solution fabrication process, 9,10 with rising power conversion efficiency comparable to silicon solar cells.…”