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The Optimization of InP/ZnS core/shell Nanocrystals and TiO2 Nanotubes for Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2013

Seungyong Lee ,
Rick Eyi ,
Mahmood Khan ,
Scott Little  and
Omar Manasreh
Seungyong Lee
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, U.S.A.
Rick Eyi
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, U.S.A.
Mahmood Khan
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, U.S.A.
Scott Little
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, U.S.A.
Omar Manasreh
Affiliation:
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, U.S.A.
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Abstract

The synthesis of InP/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals and TiO2 nanotubes and the optimization study to couple them together were explored for quantum dot sensitized solar cells. InP/ZnS nanocrystals have advantages of tunable optical properties and intrinsic nontoxicity. Highly luminescent InP/ZnS nanocrystals were produced by precursor-based colloidal synthesis for a photosensitizer. In order to improve on air stability, ZnS shell was grown on InP core. The emission peak was observed at 550 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image shows that the nanocrystals highly crystalline and monodisperse. TiO2 nanotube is main inorganic material which is capable of harvesting light as well as being a prominent anode electrode in solar cells. The nanotubular form of TiO2 enhances charge transfer and reduces interfacial charge recombination. Free-standing TiO2 nanotubes were produced by anodization using ammonium fluoride. The free-standing nanotubes were formed under the condition that chemical dissolution speed which depends on fluoride concentration was faster than the speed of Ti oxidation. Electrophoretic deposition was carried out to couple the InP/ZnS nanocrystals with the TiO2 nanotubes. Under an optimized applied voltage condition, the current during the electrophoretic deposition decreased continuously with time. The amount of the deposited nanocrystals was estimated by calculation and the deposited nanocrystals on the TiO2 nanotubes were observed in the TEM.

Keywords

nanostructurecore/shellcrystalline
Type
Articles
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1578: Symposium YY – Titanium Dioxide—Fundamentals and Applications , 2013 , mrss13-1578-yy07-24
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2013 

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