Article: A new method to disperse CdS quantum dot-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays into P3HT:PCBM layer for the improvement of efficiency of inverted polymer solar cells

We report that the efficiency of ITO/nc-TiO2/P3HT:PCBM/MoO3/Ag inverted polymer solar cells (PSCs) can be improved by dispersing CdS quantum dot (QD)-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) in poly (3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) layer. The CdS QDs are deposited on the TNTs by a chemical bath deposition method. The experimental results show that the CdS QD-sensitized TNTs (CdS/TNTs) do not only increase the light absorption of the P3HT:PCBM layer but also reduce the charge recombination in the P3HT:PCBM layer. The dependence of device performances on cycles of CdS deposition on the TNTs was investigated. A high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.52% was achieved for the inverted PSCs with 20 cyclic depositions of CdS on TNTs, which showed a 34% increase compared to the ITO/nc-TiO2/P3HT:PCBM/MoO3/Ag device without the CdS/TNTs. The improved efficiency is attributed to the improved light absorbance and the reduced charge recombination in the active layer.

Citing Articles

In Situ Growth of Metal Sulfide Nanocrystals in Poly(3-hexylthiophene): [6,6]-Phenyl C61-Butyric Acid Methyl Ester Films for Inverted Hybrid Solar Cells with Enhanced Photocurrent.

Yang C, Sun Y, Li X, Li C, Tong J, Li J Nanoscale Res Lett. 2018; 13(1):184.

PMID: 29926214 PMC: 6010366. DOI: 10.1186/s11671-018-2596-0.

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A New Method to Disperse CdS Quantum Dot-sensitized TiO2 Nanotube Arrays into P3HT:PCBM Layer for the Improvement of Efficiency of Inverted Polymer Solar Cells