Abstract
Colloidal core/shell quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as a promising light absorber for hydrogen (H2) production in photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells due to their attractive optoelectronic properties. However, the unfavorable band alignment and lattice mismatch of core/shell materials lead to the sluggish separation/transfer of interfacial charges, challenging the large-scale utilization of QDs-based PEC systems. Herein, we report a unique synthetic approach that incorporates metal ions (Mn2+) into the lattice of heterostructured QDs in the process of shell growth, which is verified by the combined spectroscopic and electrochemical characterizations. The PEC cell based on the optimized QDs (Mn0.03-CdSe/CdS) exhibits a superior saturated photocurrent density (∼ 18.7 mA cm−2) to that of undoped CdSe/CdS QDs (∼ 9.6 mA cm−2) under one sun illumination. The introduced intragap states (4T1) from Mn2+ ions not only reduce the conduction band offset between CdSe and CdS, but also suppress the non-radiative recombination process of photogenerated charges. This work provides a well-grounded guide to utilize metal ions for improving the transfer dynamics of photogenerated charges of heterostructured QDs in other optoelectronic devices.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
