Exploring the effect of manganese in lead sulfide quantum dot sensitized solar cell to enhance the photovoltaic performance

Abstract

Herein we demonstrate for the first time, the combination of PbS with CdSe/CdS/TiO 2 and exploring the impact of manganese (Mn) on PbS (lead sulfide) quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Photoanodes were sensitized with different percentages of Mn content (5, 10 and 15%) on PbS/CdS/CdSe using a simple successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. The performance of the QDSSCs is examined in detail using polysulfide electrolyte and a copper sulfide (CuS) counter electrode.The optimized percentage of Mn content on PbS/CdS/CdSe electrode results in higher efficiency compared to bare PbS/CdS/CdSe-sensitized QDs. This is confirmed with photovoltaic studies and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The 10% Mn-doped PbS/CdS/CdSe electrode exhibits short circuit current density of 17.34 mA cm 2 with an enhanced power to conversion efficiency (ɳ) of 4.25% under 1 sun illumination (AM 1.5 G, 100 mW/cm 2 ). electrode and the concentration of dopant, which could result in enhanced electrical and optical properties. [21][22][23] These properties can be enhanced by doping Mn 2+ , Fe 2+ , and Co 2+ to QDs. [24] Of key PbS/TiO 2 photo-anode. For the deposition of CdSe QDs, the CdS/PbS/TiO 2 -sensitized photo-anode is immersed in an aqueous solution of 0.1 M cadmium acetate dihydrate and 0.2 M Na 2 SeSO 3 for about 8 cycles. Then, the QD-deposited photo-anodes were washed with DI water and dried in N 2 gas. Finally, two cycles of ZnS passivizing layers were coated over the CdSe/CdS/PbS and CdSe/CdS/ Mn-d-PbS sensitized photo-anodes by the SILAR

The effect of TiO2 nanoflowers as a compact layer for CdS quantum-dot sensitized solar cells with improved performance

“…The lower R ct in TCL2 photoanode suggests grater enhancement of the charge transfer, which would increase large injection and accumulation of photo exited electrons in the conduction band of the photoanode. 39 These EIS results support the higher recombination rate for the TiO 2 cell, which is worthless for the enhanced J sc and FF values for cells subjected to without TiO 2 nanoflower treatment on a TiO 2 film as observed in the J-V measurements. 18 The QDSSC performance was improved with deposition temperature at 95 o C for 45 min for the compact layer fabrication.…”

Carrier transport dynamics in Mn-doped CdSe quantum dot sensitized solar cells

“…A previous study has shown that Mn doping in CdS QDs can increase the photoanode/QD/electrolyte interface resistance, which reduces the probability of electron-hole recombination in the electrolyte [10]. Similar results have also been observed for Mn-doped PbS QDSSCs, in which the presence of Mn is considered beneficial for reducing the recombination events [11,40]. Therefore, the longer recombination time constants observed in this work could also be attributed to the reduced recombination occurrences due to Mn doping in CdSe QDs.…”

The effect of manganese in a CdS/PbS colloidal quantum dot sensitized TiO2 solar cell to enhance its efficiency

“…However, in the case of PbS quantum confinement, the conduction band of PbS have a tendency to upshift, which allows the fast electrons into the semiconductor photo-anode. [44][45][46] Apart from this, the consecutive CdS passivation layers over PbS can also favour more stability against the polysulfide electrolyte.…”