Co-sensitization of vertically aligned TiO2 nanotubes with two different sizes of CdSe quantum dots for broad spectrum

In order to absorb a broad spectrum in the visible region, vertically aligned TiO2 nanotubes (TONTs) were co-sensitized by two different sizes of CdSe quantum dots (Q dots). The power conversion efficiency of co-sensitized Q dots solar cells showed 1.20%. The co-sensitization of Q dots showed higher performance than the single size sensitization. The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency of co-sensitized TONTs electrode showed two absorption peaks at 520 and 550 nm demonstrating the sensitization of Q dots with two different sizes. This efficiency enhanced charge harvesting efficiency over the entire visible spectrum, particularly the 500-600 nm wavelength domains. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.