Enhancement in absorption spectrum by ITO coated, down converting glass as a photoanode substrate for efficient PbS/CdS quantum dots sensitized ZnO nano-rods array solar cell

• Published in: Optical materials Vol. 124; p. 111991
• Main Authors: Khurshid, Shazaib, Latif, Hamid, Rasheed, Saba, Sharif, Rehana, Sattar, Abdul, Amjad, R.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2022
• Subjects: Down converting glass; Quantum dots; Solar cell; ZnO nano Rods; Solar cell; Down converting glass; ZnO nano Rods; Quantum dots
• ISSN: 0925-3467; 1873-1252
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2022.111991

An efficient, simple and cost effective architecture of PbS/CdS quantum dots sensitized ZnO nano rods array solar cell has been proposed. A normal glass substrate in photoanode has been replaced by down converting glass to broad the absorption spectrum of solar cell. Three PbS/CdS quantum dots sensitized ZnO nano rods array solar cells with ITO coated down converting glass as a substrate have been fabricated by changing 10, 15 and 20 SILAR cycles for PbS/CdS quantum dots sensitization. SEM analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO nano rods. Grown nano rods were not closely packed which provided PbS/CdS quantum dots proper surface area to get attached. Optical properties analyzed by UV–Visible spectroscopy revealed the optical absorption in UV range which eventually was converted in visible spectra by down converting glass also the ZnO nano rod arrays increased the possibility of light scattering hence improved light absorption. The purposed architecture of solar cell hence played important role to achieve high power conversion efficiency of 8.6%. [Display omitted] •A down converting glass is used as substrate for Photoanode.•Enhancement in light absorption spectrum is achieved by down conversion and light scattering.•An efficient, simple and cost effective solar cell architecture is realized.•Maximum power conversion efficiency of 8.6% is achieved.