Three-dimensional ZnO/ZnxCd1−xS/CdS nanostructures modified by microwave hydrothermal reaction-deposited CdSe quantum dots for chemical solar cells. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Run; Zhong, Junyu; Ji, Cheng; Zhao, Junting; Lu, Hao
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 191(2019)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Chemical solar cell -- Microwave hydrothermal -- ZnO/ZnxCd1−xS/CdS -- CdSe quantum dots -- Composite structures; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2019.08.066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: Bandgap-graded ZnO/Znx Cd1−x S/CdS has been successful prepared. CdS both used as photo-absorber and light reflection material. CdSe quantum dots has been deposited on composite nanostructure. A novel chemical solar cell has been prepared. Abstract: Effective interfaces composed of smart materials could play a critical role in the rapid transfer and separation of charges to achieve the high power-conversion efficiency of solar cells. In this work, we report an efficient chemical solar cell that uses a ZnO/Znx Cd1−x S/CdS structure, modified with CdSe deposited with a microwave hydrothermal technique, for rapid transport of charges using a frame construction to allow for reuse. The morphology, nanostructure, and reaction mechanisms of CdS nanorods and the Znx Cd1−x S layer were systematically investigated. The results indicated that light absorption expands from 550 nm of CdS to 700 nm because of the absorption of nearly all the visible light by deposited CdSe quantum dots. The effects of the compositional structure on cell performance are investigated to reveal the enhancement mechanism, which is mainly attributed to the suitable nano-branch structure, high light absorbability, low charge transfer resistance, and low recombination rate. This work demonstrates a potential universal method of designing an interface with a multi-component composite for efficient charge transport and separation, not only in chemical solar cells but with extensions to photocatalysis and water splitting uses as well.