Efficient photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications with nanocomposites between CdTe QDs and an NTU-9 MOF

A new photoactive hybrid nanostructure formed through an integration of quantum dots (QDs) and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has been explored and assessed for its photocatalytic and photovoltaic performance. To this end, the QD-MOF nanocomposite was synthesized by mixing CdTe QDs during the formation of a titanium-based MOF 'NTU-9,' with titanium isopropoxide as a metal source and 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (H4DOBDC) as an organic ligand. The successful formation of this nanocomposite is verified using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Because the CdTe/NTU-9 composite exhibited a considerably broadened light absorption profile, it has achieved a rapid (30 min) and visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation (> 95%) of rhodamine 6G. Further, when this composite is tested as a photoanode material in a QD-sensitized solar cell (QD-DSSC), its power conversion efficiency improved by approximately 1.5% relative to the raw QD form. Accordingly, CdTe/NTU-9 is demonstrated as a potential candidate for future applications in photocatalysis and DSSCs. The key features of the proposed nanocomposite include improved light absorption, sub-micron scale processing, chemical and thermal stability, easier regeneration, and better photocatalytic/photovoltaic characteristics.