Parallel pool analysis of transient spectroscopy reveals origins of and perspectives for ZnO hybrid solar cell performance enhancement using semiconducting surfactants

Recently, the performance of ZnO nanocrystals as an electron acceptor in a solar cell device was significantly increased by a semiconducting surfactant. Here we show, using transient absorption spectroscopy and a parallel pool analysis, that changes in the quantum efficiency of charge generation account for the performance variation among semiconducting-surfactant-coated, surfactant-coated, and uncoated ZnO nanoparticles. We demonstrate that even better surfactant design to suppress fast recombination could still lead to a further doubling of device efficiency. © 2012 American Chemical Society.

Duke Scholars

Author Jason Amsden Electrical and Computer Engineering