Harnessing infrared radiation using carbon dots: photovoltaic devices achieving extraordinary efficiency under faint lighting

Abstract

Developing photovoltaic devices capable of functioning under low-light intensities is necessary for developing future-ready technologies. Carbon dots (CD) are one such material that hold potential for a wide variety of practical applications, including low-light responsive photovoltaic cells capable of powering IoT devices. This current work depicts the preparation of CDs via solvothermal and microwave methods and their applications in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a co-sensitizer with the N719 dye. The prepared CDs are able to harness infrared radiation, which is confirmed by multiple measurement techniques. Additionally, a synergistic interaction is noticed between the N719 dye and the CDs, which allowed the device to function under dim light as well as under 1 sun. The device exhibited an extraordinary efficiency of over 80% under faint lighting.