Reducing Interface Recombination through Mixed Nanocrystal Interlayers in PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells

The performance of ZnO/PbS colloidal quantum dot (CQD)-based heterojunction solar cells is hindered by charge carrier recombination at the heterojunction interface. Reducing interfacial recombination can improve charge collection and the photocurrent of the device. Here we report the use of a mixed nanocrystal (MNC) buffer layer comprising zinc oxide nanocrystals and lead sulfide quantum dots at the respective heterojunction interface. Remote trap passivation of the PbS CQDs taking place within this MNC layer reduces interfacial recombination and electron back transfer which in turn improves charge collection efficiency. Upon the addition of the MNC layer, the overall power conversion efficiency increases from 9.11 to 10.16% and Short-circuit current density (J_SC) increases from 23.54 to 25.23 mA/cm². Optoelectronic characterization of the solar cells confirms that the effects underlying device improvement are reduced trap density and improved charge collection efficiency due to the presence of the MNC buffer layer.