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Open structure ZnO/CdSe core/shell nanoneedle arrays for solar cells
Yanxue Chen1, Lin Wei, Guanghua Zhang
1School of Physics and State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, People's Republic of China. cyx@sdu.edu.cn.
Nanoscale Research Letters
|September 22, 2012
Summary
Zinc oxide/cadmium selenide (ZnO/CdSe) core/shell nanoneedles were fabricated for solar cells. These nanostructures achieved a 1.07% power conversion efficiency and high photo-to-current conversion efficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Developing efficient nanomaterials for solar energy conversion is crucial.
- Core/shell nanostructures offer unique properties for photovoltaic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize ZnO/CdSe core/shell nanoneedle arrays.
- To evaluate the photovoltaic performance of solar cells based on these nanostructures.
Main Methods:
- Solution deposition and electrochemical techniques were used for fabrication.
- Annealing at 400°C for 1.5 hours formed the CdSe shell.
- Characterization involved evaluating solar cell performance under illumination.
Main Results:
- Uniform CdSe shell formation on ZnO nanoneedle cores was achieved.
- Solar cells demonstrated a high short-circuit current density of 10.5 mA/cm².
- An overall power conversion efficiency of 1.07% was obtained.
Conclusions:
- ZnO/CdSe core/shell nanoneedles are promising for solar cell applications.
- The nanostructure design enhances photo-to-current conversion efficiency (>75%).
