InP/ZnS quantum dots synthesis and photovoltaic application

Abstract

In the present paper hybrid core–shell InP/ZnS quantum dots were prepared by the one pot synthesis method which does not require additional component injections and which complies more with cost requirements. The synthesized quantum dots were characterized by X-ray diffraction and optical spectroscopy methods. The applicability of the synthesized InP/ZnS core–shell particles in inverted solar cells fabricated with a step-by-step procedure which combines thermal vacuum deposition and spin-coating techniques was investigated. The resulting efficiency of the fabricated inverted solar cell is comparable to that of quantum-dot sensitized TiO2 based solar cells. Therefore, hybrid core–shell InP/ZnS particles can be considered as multifunctional light-harvesting materials useful for implementation in different types of photovoltaic devices, such as quantum dot sensitized solar cells and inverted solar cells.