title: Improved photovoltaic response of nanocrystalline CdS-sensitized solar cells through interface control.
abstract: Nanocrystalline CdS-sensitized solar cells (CdS-SSCs) based on mesoporous TiO(2) were fabricated by the spray pyrolysis deposition method. The energy conversion efficiency of these cells was drastically increased (156%) by modifying the junction structure through post-treatment that included soaking in a dilute TiCl(4) aqueous solution and subsequent thermal annealing. We propose that the post-treatment is responsible for an increased number of interconnections between TiO(2) and CdS, as well as surface passivation of the CdS sensitizer. The increase in the cell efficiency is attributed to the improved charge carrier transport, suppression of photoelectron recombination with holes both in the same sensitizer particle and in nearby ones, and suppression of photoelectron capture by the electrolyte.
authors.affiliation: KRICT-EPFL Global Research Laboratory, Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Yuseong, Daejeon 305-600, Korea.
authors.forename: Jae-Yeol
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Sang-A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Yong Hui
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Sang-Il
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Seok
mesh_terms: D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008422:Materials Testing; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D012993:Solar Energy; D013499:Surface Properties; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D018036:Selenium Compounds; C058667:cadmium selenide