Process optimization for decoration of Bi2Se3 nanoparticles on CdS nanowires: Twofold power conversion solar cell efficiency

Background: Core-shell surface architecture with well-tuned shell on one dimensional core is emerging a new field towards energy conversion which can pivot a strategic path in upcoming technologies. Method: Unique Bi2Se3 nanoparticles (NPs) shell with aid of simple, and low-cost successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) onto chemically deposited 1-D CdS nanowires as core has been explored as a first report towards photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cell application. Significant Findings: First report to use of Bi2Se3 nanoparticles (NPs) over CdS NWs as heterostructure partner towards the formation CdS NWs/Bi2Se3 core-shell surface architecture with aid of simple, low cost and industry scalable chemical methods has been demonstrated. Well-tuned process parameters creates well aligned CdS NWs/Bi2Se3 NPs heterostructure yielding twofold power conversion efficiency as compared to bare CdS. TEM and FE-SEM analysis suggest formed Bi2Se3 NPs shell has been uniformly decorated onto the surface of CdS NWs core leading to enhanced light absorption by shifting the absorption edge towards red. Designed core-shell heterostructure towards achieved photovoltaic performances has been well understood though structural, surface morphological, optical and elemental (XPS) studies in correlation with photo electrochemical (PEC) solar cell and Mott-Schottky analysis. Interesting, enhanced external quantum efficiency (EQE) due to the expansion of light absorption along with shorter charge recombination is well supported through EIS studies. (c) 2022 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study presents a first report on the use of Bi2Se3 nanoparticles as a shell on CdS nanowires for the formation of a core-shell heterostructure for photoelectrochemical solar cell application. The well-tuned process parameters result in aligned CdS/Bi2Se3 heterostructure with enhanced light absorption. Various characterization techniques were employed to understand the photovoltaic performance of the designed core-shell heterostructure.