Some Features of CdS/CdSe Quantum Dot-sensitized Solar Cell Incorporating Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) were synthesized using CdS and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) incorporated onto one-dimensional ZnO nanorods by successive ionic layer adsorption. In order to get the highest performance of the synthesized cell, the concentration of precursor QD solution and the number of deposition cycles in the QD solution were varied together. The photovoltaic performance of each cell was compared with the ultraviolet/visible absorption spectra and incident photon to current efficiency graphs. QDSSCs incorporating single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), sprayed onto the substrate before deposition of the next layer, exhibited enhanced or decreased photocell efficiency compared to that of the pristine cell. In particular, a maximum rate increase of 17% was obtained with the solar cell containing SWNTs in CdSe QDs.