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Quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells: understanding linker molecules through theory and experiment
Johannes T Margraf1, Andrés Ruland, Vito Sgobba
1Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|January 26, 2013
Summary
Linker molecules significantly impact quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Cysteine linkers enhance performance over mercaptopropionic acid, achieving 2.7% power conversion efficiency in solar cells.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photovoltaics
Background:
- Linker molecules are crucial in quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs).
- Their role in QD attachment, charge separation, recombination, and transport is complex.
- Understanding linker behavior is key to optimizing QDSSC performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of linker molecules in QDSSCs.
- To elucidate the binding configurations of different linkers on TiO(2) surfaces.
- To correlate linker structure with photovoltaic performance.
Main Methods:
- Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations for linker binding configurations.
- Experimental fabrication and characterization of QDSSCs.
- Performance evaluation under AM 1.5 illumination.
Main Results:
- DFT revealed distinct binding modes for mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and cysteine (Cys) on TiO(2).
- Cys-based QDSSCs demonstrated significantly higher power conversion efficiencies (PCE) compared to MPA-based cells.
- Optimized Cys-based cells achieved PCEs up to 2.7%.
Conclusions:
- Linker molecule choice critically influences QDSSC performance.
- Cysteine is a superior linker for QDSSC applications compared to MPA.
- Theoretical insights into linker binding aid in performance enhancement strategies.
