Application research of CdS:Eu3+ quantum dots-sensitized TiO2 nanotube solar cells

Trivalent Eu3+-doped CdS quantum dot (CdS: Eu3+ QD)-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs) solar cells are prepared by using the direct adsorption method. The influences of sensitization time, sensitization temperature, and Eu3+ ion concentrations are investigated systematically. The photo-current of the CdS: Eu3+ QDs/TiO2 nanotubes appear at the main absorption region of 320-480 nm, and the maximum incident photon to the current conversion efficiency (IPCE) value is 21% at 430 nm when the sensitization condition is 4% doping Eu3+ concentration, 60 degrees C sensitization temperature, 8 h sensitization time. Compared with the un-doped CdS QD-sensitized TNTAs, the conversion efficiency and IPCE of CdS: Eu3+ QDs/TNTAs are two times and three times than that of un-doped CdS QDs sensitized TNTAs. This scenario exhibits the potential applications of rare earth elements in QD-sensitized solar cells. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.