Assembly of CdSe onto mesoporous TiO2 films induced by a self-assembled monolayer for quantum dot-sensitized solar cell applications

Lai Wan Chong, Huei Ting Chien, Yuh Lang Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

118 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 3-mercaptopropyl-trimethyoxysilane (MPTMS) is pre-assembled onto a mesoporous TiO2 film and is used as a surface-modified layer to induce the growth of CdSe QDs in the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process. Due to the specific interaction of the terminal thiol groups to CdSe, the MPTMS SAM is found to increase the nucleation and growth rates of CdSe in the SILAR process, leading to a well covering and higher uniform CdSe layer which has a superior ability, compared with the electrode without MPTMS, in inhibiting the charge recombination at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Furthermore, the performance of the CdSe-sensitized TiO2 electrode can further be improved by an additional heat annealing after film deposition, attributable to a better interfacial connection between CdSe and TiO2, as well as a better connection among CdSe QDs. The CdSe-sensitized solar cell prepared by the present strategy can achieve an energy conversion efficiency of 2.65% under the illumination of one sun (AM 1.5, 100 mW cm-2).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5109-5113
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume195
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010 Aug 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Assembly of CdSe onto mesoporous TiO2 films induced by a self-assembled monolayer for quantum dot-sensitized solar cell applications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this