Structural evolution from the CdSSe alloy to the CdS/CdSe core/shell in Cd(S and Se) composite quantum dots and its impact on the performance of sensitized solar cells

Abstract

CdSSe alloy and CdS/CdSe core/shell quantum dots (QDs) are widely studied in quantum dot solar cells (QDSSCs). However, to date, there have been no detailed comparative investigations into the cell performance between CdSSe alloy and CdS/CdSe core/shell structures prepared with the same preparation process. In this work, the performances of CdSSe alloy and CdS/CdSe core/shell QDSSCs, which are prepared with the same SILAR (successive ionic layer adsorption and reactions) process, are investigated in detail. By simply tuning the layer numbers and arrangement sequence of the CdS and CdSe layers, a series of QDs, including CdSSe alloy structures, CdS/CdSe multilayer structures, and CdS/CdSe core/shell structures, are successfully prepared with a layer-by-layer technique, while maintaining a similar morphology. Based on these QD sensitized TiO₂ photoanodes, QDSSCs are assembled. The CdS/CdSe core/shell QDSSCs yield a maximum power conversion efficiency of 5.08% under AM 1.5 illumination of 100 mW cm⁻², which is increased by 77% in comparison with that of CdSSe alloy QDSSCs (2.87%). The significantly enhanced photovoltaic performance of QDSSCs with core/shell architectures is mainly attributed to their high short-circuit current density, which arises from the enhanced absorption intensity. In addition, the CdS/CdSe core–shell contributes to the attenuation of the interfacial charge recombination rate and prolongs the electron lifetime, resulting in more efficient charge collection in QDSSCs.