Synthesis and organic solar cell application of RNA-nucleobase-complexed CdS nanowires. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seo, Dong-Bum; Kim, Songhee; Gudala, Rajesh; Challa, Kiran Kumar; Hong, Kihyon; Kim, Eui-Tae
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 206(2020)
• Page Start: 287
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Nucleobases -- Nanowires -- Organic solar cells -- Electron transport layers; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2020.06.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Facile, uracil-mediated synthesis of ultrathin CdS nanowires in an aqueous solution. Exploit uracil-complexed CdS nanowires as an effective electron transport layer. Significantly enhanced power-conversion efficiency and longevity of organic solar cells. A great potential of nucleobases as surfactant ligands for efficient charge transport. Abstract: Ultrathin uracil-complexed CdS nanowires (U-CdS NWs) were synthesized using a facile wet-chemical process and exploited as an effective electron transport layer (ETL) in organic solar cells (OSCs). The U-CdS NW layer acted as a functional interfacial layer between the active organic and inorganic ZnO films; the functional NH and CO groups in uracil passivated the ZnO surface defects and CdS provided a favorable energy band alignment, which facilitated electron transportation. As a result, the power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of the OSC with U-CdS NWs was 3.52% (maximum PCE of 3.7%), which was 22% higher than that of an OSCs with bare ZnO. Moreover, OSCs with U-CdS NWs had two times longer storage lifetimes because of the enhanced interfacial quality and the hydrophobic nature of U-CdS NWs. These results demonstrate the potential of U-CdS NWs for enhancing the efficiency and stability of OSCs and represent an important step toward the commercialization of OSCs.