High‐Performance Hybrid Solar Cell Made from CdSe/CdTe Nanocrystals Supported on Reduced Graphene Oxide and PCDTBT

Abstract

Core/shell tetrapods synthesized from CdSe and CdTe exhibit a type II band offset that induces separation of charge upon photoexcitation and localizes carriers to different regions of the tetrahedral geometry. CdSe/CdTe nanocrystals immobilized on oleylamine‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets can be homogeneously mixed with an organic dye (PCDTBT) to form donor–acceptor dispersed heterojunctions and exhibit a high power conversion efficiency of ∼3.3% in solar cell devices. The near‐IR light absorbing type II nanocrystals complement the absorption spectrum of the visible light‐absorbing organics. The high efficiency is attributed to the amine‐functionalized rGO sheets, which allow intimate contact with the nanocrystals and efficient dispersal in the organic matrix, contributing to highly efficient charge separation and transfer at the nanocrystal, rGO, and polymer interfaces.

ZnO anchored graphene hydrophobic nanocomposite-based bulk heterojunction solar cells showing enhanced short-circuit current

“…The 2D structure of graphene provides a scaffold to anchor metallic and semiconducting nanoparticles and thus to develop various hybrid assemblies. 30 Graphene's capability to interact with the excited states of semiconducting nanoparticles and undergo charge transfer by monitoring the emission life time of ZnO nanoparticles-graphene (inorganic-organic) composite-based samples is already reported in the literature. 31 The crystal structure of graphene is 2D hexagonal and ZnO exists in hexagonal wurtzite form; thus, there is very good lattice compatibility between the two.…”

Synthesis and optoelectrical properties of f-graphene/cadmium selenide hybrid system

“…In functionalized-graphene (f-G), the functional groups can act as anchor sites for inorganic NCs and prevent their aggregation. 22 Furthermore, modification of the graphene surface with QDs causes fluorescence quenching due to the electrons flowing from the conduction band of the QD to the graphene sheets. 23 Therefore, the hybrid nanostructures based on graphene can be considered as the potential acceptor material for organic solar cells.…”

Hybrid nanocomposites with enhanced visible light photocatalytic ability for next generation of clean energy systems

“…[23][24][25] The resulting heterostructure interface was used to cage photoinduced electrons and consequently separate generated electron-hole pairs. [26] Additionally, n-n junctions heterostructures such as the ones found in structures of silver phosphate/ iron oxide (Ag3PO4/ Fe2O3), [27] silver vanadate/ zinc oxide (Ag3VO4/ ZnO), [28] or zinc oxide/ silver bromide/ iron oxide/ silver vanadate (ZnO/ AgBr/ Fe3O4/ Ag3VO4) [29] have recently been used to promote efficient separation of the charge carriers and generate high efficiency photocatalysis systems based on delayed electron-hole recombination effects. Further, it was also showed that the large surface area of graphene (GO) for instance, [30] its zero bandgap, [31] excellent electrical conductivity and ability to enhance electron transport, [32] its exceptional transparency, [33] and good chemical stability, [34] could lead to its integration as a promoter of photocatalytic reactions in heterostructures.…”