Synthesis of CuInS2 quantum dots on TiO2 porous films by solvothermal method for absorption layer of solar cells

Copper indium disulfide (CuInS2) nano-particles have been synthesized by solvothermal method for absorption layer of solar cells. The CuInS2 nano-particles can be adsorbed in pores of TiO2 porous films. The effects of heat-treatment on crystalline structures and sizes of the CuInS2 nano-particles were investigated. Crystalline structures and sizes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations. Surface morphologies and optical properties were studied by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and UV-vis spectra when CuInS2 were absorbed on TiO2 films. The results show that the CuInS2 quantum dots (size is smaller than 10nm) can be synthesized by solvothermal method at 150,C. CuInS2 particles sizes increase with the rise of reaction temperature and time. The CuInS2 quantum dots can be adsorbed on TiO2 films well and high-absorptive anodic electrode of solar cells can be prepared. Blue shift of absorption edge was observed as the sizes of CuInS2 quantum dots decreased. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.