Application of aqueous Ag:ZnInSe quantum dots to non-toxic sensitized solar cells

Abstract

We report the assembly of non-toxic Ag-doped ZnInSe (AZIS) quantum dot (QD)-sensitized solar cells (QDSSC) with a conversion efficiency of 0.89% at 1 sun. The QDs were directly adsorbed on a TiO₂ film with the addition of a surface-active agent (Triton X-100). ZnS treatment was performed on QDs by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method to inhibit the recombination current in QDSSCs. The results demonstrated that Triton X-100 increased the QD loading on mesoporous TiO₂. The conversion efficiency of an aqueous, non-toxic AZIS QDSSC containing Triton X-100, a ZnS passivating layer and a Cu₂S counter electrode reached 0.89% at 1 sun.