Architecting the Optics, Energetics and Geometry of Colloidal Quantum Dot Photovoltaics

Solution processed solar cells offer the promise of a low cost solution to global energy concerns. Colloidal quantum dots are one material that can be easily synthesized in and deposited from solution. These nanoparticles also offer the unique ability to select the desired optical and electrical characteristics, all within the same materials system, through small variations in their physical dimensions. These materials, unfortunately, are not without their limitations. To date, films made from colloidal quantum dots exhibit limited mobilities and short minority diffusion lengths. These limitations imply that simple device structures may not be sufficient to make an efficient solar cell. Here we show that through clever manipulation of the geometric and energetic structures, we can utilize the size-tunability of CQDs while masking their poor electrical characteristics. We further outline the physical mechanisms present within these architectures, namely the utilization of a distributed built-in electric field to extract current through drift rather than diffusion. These architectures have consequently exceeded the performance of legacy architectures such as the Schottky cell. Finally, we discuss some of the limiting modes within these architectures and within CQD films in general including the impact of surface traps and polydispersity in CQD populations. Through the development of these novel architectures, the power conversion efficiency of CQD solar cells has increased from ~3.5% to 7.4%; the highest efficiencies yet reported for colloidal quantum dot solar cells.

Department dc:contributor.department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Kramer, Illan Jo

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Sargent, Edward H.

• Photovoltaics
• Solar Cell
• Quantum Dot
• Semiconductor
• Device Architecture

Statement dc:rights

• Attribution 2.5 Canada

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ca/

Language dc:language.iso

en_ca

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1807/35869

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:utoronto.scholaris.ca:1807/35869