Background:
It is well known that quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on nanostructured
semiconductor films are considered as a promising alternative to silicon-based solar cells. The
aim of this paper is to investigate the structural and morphological properties of CdS/CdSe quantum
dot sensitized photoanodes based on nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films considering their performance
can reach an efficiency of 2.7%.
Methods:
TiO2 thin films were prepared on fluorine tin oxide (FTO) glass via the chemical route
using commercial Degussa 25 and crystallized at 550°C. Furthermore, a layer of CdS and CdSe
nanoparticles was deposited on the titania film by a sequence of successive ionic layer adsorption
and reaction (SILAR) and chemical bath deposition (CBD) methods. After preparation, samples were
analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM)
and Raman spectroscopy for their structural properties and composition. Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate their surface morphology, while energy dispersive X-ray
spectrometry (EDS) was used to analyze the sample stoichiometry.
Results:
The structural properties and morphology of quantum dot sensitized photoanodes revealed
that the titania thin films were highly crystalline belonging predominantly in the tetragonalanatase
structure, while the CdS/CdS quantum dots were in the cubic phase. Furthermore, scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) along with energy dispersive X-Ray mapping EDS showed little contamination.
Conclusions:
Combined analysis suggests that our preparation route leads to highly crystalline,
stoichiometric photoanodes. This plays an important role in the performance of the quantum dot
sensitized solar cells.
Incorporation of Kojic Acid-Azo Dyes on TiO2 Thin Films for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Applications
