Abstract
The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are attractive due to their low cost and promising efficiency. One of the research perspectives in the respective field is to replace the expensive and photodegradable ruthenium metal-based dyes. Present work describes a simple, modified in situ route designed by mimicking the adsorption principle of dyes in DSSCs for surface modification and linking of CdS-Quantum Dots (QDs) to TiO2 electrode. An organic compound 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) was used as a surface modifying and linking agent. By following this route it was expected to get a well assembled layer of CdS QDs for better cell performance but performances were not as expected. The main reason for low photocurrent density is the partial coverage of QDs surface by ME and the spatial distance between QDs and TiO2 electrode. Additional surface treatment of the CdS QDs sensitized TiO2 electrode resulted in an increase in the photocurrent density and photovoltage. This indicates that ME is not an effective capping agent and thus partially covers the QDs surface. The remaining sites, not covered by ME were passivated by sulfur ions in the ionic solution.
Highlights
Challenging issues of limited reserves and pollutant emissions of fossil fuels are directing the research intentions toward the development of alternative, sustainable and renewable initiatives to meet the demand of clean energy
An in situ route mimicking the adsorption principle of dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), was employed for synthesis, surface modification and linking the CdS Quantum Dots (QDs) to the TiO2 electrode. Following this route it was expected to obtain a wellcovered monolayer of QDs upon TiO2 electrode enhancing the cell performance
On additional surface treatment of the TiO2/CdS QDs electrode it was observed that the ME partially coordinates with the CdS surface and there still remain surface states
Summary
Challenging issues of limited reserves and pollutant emissions of fossil fuels are directing the research intentions toward the development of alternative, sustainable and renewable initiatives to meet the demand of clean energy. Present work describes a simple, modified in situ route designed by mimicking the adsorption principle of dyes in DSSCs for surface modification and linking of CdS-Quantum Dots (QDs) to TiO2 electrode. Additional surface treatment of the CdS QDs sensitized TiO2 electrode resulted in an increase in the photocurrent density and photovoltage.
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