Passivation effects on quantum dots prepared by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction
Qilin Dai1, Scott Maloney, Weimin Chen
1Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
Nanotechnology
|April 23, 2016
Summary
Oleic acid improves solar cell performance by passivating semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) prepared via the SILAR method. This passivation enhances incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) and shifts the IPCE onset wavelength.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photovoltaics
Background:
- Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are crucial for solar cell applications.
- Passivation of QDs is essential for optimizing solar cell efficiency.
- The successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method is used for QD preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of oleylamine and oleic acid passivation on SILAR-prepared QDs.
- To evaluate the impact of different passivation strategies on solar cell incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE).
- To understand the role of ligands in QD solar cell performance.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) using the SILAR method.
- Passivation of QDs with ZnS, oleylamine, and oleic acid.
- Measurement and analysis of solar cell IPCE performance.
Main Results:
- Oleylamine passivation decreased solar cell device performance.
- Oleic acid passivation significantly improved the IPCE of the solar cells.
- Oleic acid coating resulted in a redshift of the IPCE onset wavelength, indicating exciton delocalization.
Conclusions:
- Oleic acid is an effective passivation agent for SILAR-prepared QDs in solar cells.
- Ligand choice critically influences QD solar cell performance.
- Exciton delocalization, induced by oleic acid, enhances solar cell efficiency.
