Quantum-Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells Fabricated by the Combined Process of the Direct Attachment of Colloidal CdSe Quantum Dots Having a ZnS Glue Layer and Spray Pyrolysis Deposition

We were able to attach CdSe quantum dots (QDs) having a ZnS inorganic glue layer directly to a mesoporous TiO2 (mp-TiO2) surface by spray coating and thermal annealing. Quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells based on CdSe QDs having ZnS as the inorganic glue layer could easily transport generated charge carriers because of the intimate bonding between CdSe and mp-TiO2. The application of spray pyrolysis deposition (SPD) to obtain additional CdSe layers improved the performance characteristics to V-oc = 0.45 V, J(sc) = 10.7 mA/cm(2), fill factor = 35.8%, and power conversion efficiency = 1.7%. Furthermore, ZnS post-treatment improved the device performance to V-oc = 0.57 V, J(sc) = 11.2 mA/cm(2), fill factor = 35.4%, and power conversion efficiency = 2.2%.