A Review on the Effects of ZnO Nanowire Morphology on the Performance of Interpenetrating Bulk Heterojunction Quantum Dot Solar Cells

Abstract

Interpenetrating bulk heterojunction (IBHJ) quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) offer a direct pathway for electrical contacts to overcome the trade-off between light absorption and carrier extraction. However, their complex three-dimensional structure creates higher requirements for the optimization of their design due to their more difficult interface defect states control, more complex light capture mechanism, and more advanced QD deposition technology. ZnO nanowire (NW) has been widely used as the electron transport layer (ETL) for this structure. Hence, the optimization of the ZnO NW morphology (such as density, length, and surface defects) is the key to improving the photoelectric performance of these SCs. In this study, the morphology control principles of ZnO NW for different synthetic methods are discussed. Furthermore, the effects of the density and length of the NW on the collection of photocarriers and their light capture effects are investigated. It is indicated that the NW spacing determines the transverse collection of electrons, while the length of the NW and the thickness of the SC often affect the longitudinal collection of holes. Finally, the optimization strategies for the geometrical morphology of and defect passivation in ZnO NWs are proposed to improve the efficiency of IBHJ QDSCs.

Secured Nanosynthesis–Deposition Aerosol Process for Composite Thin Films Incorporating Highly Dispersed Nanoparticles

“…[ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ] The formation of ZnO NPs by this approach is highly appealing as ZnO NPs present wide technological applications due to their unique properties. These include electro‐optical properties, [ 41 , 42 ] which can be used in devices such as ultraviolet (UV) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), [ 42 , 43 ] blue luminescent devices or UV lasers [ 44 ] ; photo(electro)catalytic water treatment, [ 45 , 46 , 47 ] antibacterial agents, [ 48 , 49 ] solar cells, [ 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ] and others. [ 55 , 56 ] Such unique properties require not only the ZnO material to be nanosized, but also to be homogeneously dispersed without agglomeration.…”

Analytical investigation of CdSe/CdS/ZnSe‐based single‐core double‐shell nanotextured vertical nanopillar array antenna for broadband photodetection applications

“…11,12 Also, due to the distribution of the photogenerated charge carrier over the radial junction of the vertical nanopillar structure, an orthogonalization of the direction of carrier injection and the path of exciton collection takes place. [12][13][14] This leads to a shorter path of carrier collection minimizing the recombination losses. Thus, the radial junction-based core-shell nanopillar structures have emerged as an efficient smart material for the application in the field of next-generation photodetection with core and shell being the main light absorber and window layer respectively.…”

“…Owing to the staggered type‐II band alignment pattern followed by the core as well as the shell semiconductor layers, the photoexciton pairs could possess larger carrier lifetimes 11,12 . Also, due to the distribution of the photogenerated charge carrier over the radial junction of the vertical nanopillar structure, an orthogonalization of the direction of carrier injection and the path of exciton collection takes place 12–14 . This leads to a shorter path of carrier collection minimizing the recombination losses.…”

Interfacial Engineering of a TiO2 Photoanode via Graphene Nanoribbons for Efficient Quantum-Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells and Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

“…In recent years, energy demands have been the greatest concern in the world as a result of the limited supply of fossil fuels . Further, the excessive use of fossil fuels lead to environmental pollution and climate change, compelling the transition toward clean and sustainable energy. − Among numerous clean energy resources, the most important and viable source for future clean energy sustainability is solar energy as a result of the abundant availability of sunlight . Solar energy can be harvested either by converting into electric energy through solar cells or by the production of clean hydrogen fuel via water splitting through a photoelectrochemical (PEC) process. − …”

“…2−4 Among numerous clean energy resources, the most important and viable source for future clean energy sustainability is solar energy as a result of the abundant availability of sunlight. 5 Solar energy can be harvested either by converting into electric energy through solar cells or by the production of clean hydrogen fuel via water splitting through a photoelectrochemical (PEC) process. 6−8 Among solar cells, the third-generation quantum-dotsensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) are considered of prime importance as a result of their low cost, simple fabrication, tunable band gap of quantum dots (QDs), and high scalability.…”