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Optical properties and dynamic process in Cd1−xMnxSe quantum dots sensitized solar cells

  • Original Paper: Sol-gel and hybrid materials for energy, environment and building applications
  • Published:
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Abstract

Overall, the quantum dots sensitized solar cells were successfully prepared with the enhanced short current density from 7.7 mA/cm2 to 19 mA/cm2 based on Mn2+ ions doped on CdSe nanocrystal by successive ionic layer absorption and reaction. There were rapid effects of Mn2+ ions on optical, physical, chemical, and photovoltaic properties of the quantum dots sensitized solar cells. Consequently, the highest efficiency of the quantum dots sensitized solar cells increased dramatically from 1.7% for pure CdSe nanocrystal to 3.8% for Mn2+ ions doped on pure CdSe nanocrystal. Actually, the Mn2+ dopant rise in the conduction band of pure CdSe nanocrystal, reduces recombination, enhances the efficiency of high harvesting, and improves the charge transfer and collection. In addition, the optical properties, the direct optical energy gap, and both conduction band and valence band levels of the compositional CdS, Cd1−xMnxSe were estimated by Tauc model and discussed in details. This Tauc model is useful for us to understand the alignment energy structure of the compositions in electrodes, in particular, the conduction band and valence band levels of CdS, Cd1−xMnxSe nanoparticles. As a result, a rise or a drop of the conduction band and valence band levels when Mn2+ content was changed. Correspondingly, the Electrochemical Impedance Spectra were carried to determine dynamic resistances in QDSSCs.

The enhanced performance of the quantum dots sensitized solar cells based on Mn2+ ions doped on CdSe nanocrystal

Highlights

  • The enhanced performance of QDSSCs based on Cd1−xMnxSe

  • Determination of the CB and VB levels of materials by Tauc equation

  • Study of the obtained results through band alignment energy and EIS

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank University of Science, VNU-HCM, Vietnam.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Theoretical Physics Research Group, Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Dang Huu Phuc

  2. Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Dang Huu Phuc

  3. Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam

    Ha Thanh Tung

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Correspondence to Ha Thanh Tung.

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Phuc, D.H., Tung, H.T. Optical properties and dynamic process in Cd1−xMnxSe quantum dots sensitized solar cells. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 87, 254–262 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-018-4725-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-018-4725-8

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