Multi-branched CdSe nanocrystals stabilized by weak ligand for hybrid solar cell application

In this article, multi-branched CdSe nanocrystals were produced by a facile colloidal approach stabilized by oleylamine at a relative low temperature. The as-prepared multi-branched CdSe nanocrystals after simple washing process were used in the fabrication of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/CdSe bulk heterojunction photovoltaic device. The effective charge separation in the poly(3-hexylthiophene)/ CdSe nanocomposites have been confirmed by the strong photoluminescence quenching. The films of the blends of P3HT and simply-washed CdSe nanocrystals show more uniform morphology and flatter surface than the film of the bends of P3HT and pyridine-refluxed CdSe nanocrystals. The corresponding power conversion efficiency under 1 sun is about 0.66% for the P3HT/pyridine-washed CdSe hybrid device. Our work did a preliminary study in the hybrid solar cell application of branched blenze CdSe nanocrystals prepared by an easier way, and will be interesting and helpful for making the high-efficiency hybrid solar cells with branched CdSe acceptors.