Colloidal-quantum-dot photovoltaics using atomic-ligand passivation

Jiang Tang, Kyle W. Kemp, Sjoerd H. Hoogland, Kwangseob Jeong, Huan Liu, Larissa Levina, Melissa Furukawa, Xihua Wang, Ratan K. Debnath, Dong Kyu Cha, Kang Wei Chou, Armin H. Fischer, Aram Amassian, John B. Asbury, E. H. Sargent

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1404 Scopus citations

Abstract

Colloidal-quantum-dot (CQD) optoelectronics offer a compelling combination of solution processing and spectral tunability through quantum size effects. So far, CQD solar cells have relied on the use of organic ligands to passivate the surface of the semiconductor nanoparticles. Although inorganic metal chalcogenide ligands have led to record electronic transport parameters in CQD films, no photovoltaic device has been reported based on such compounds. Here we establish an atomic ligand strategy that makes use of monovalent halide anions to enhance electronic transport and successfully passivate surface defects in PbS CQD films. Both time-resolved infrared spectroscopy and transient device characterization indicate that the scheme leads to a shallower trap state distribution than the best organic ligands. Solar cells fabricated following this strategy show up to 6% solar AM1.5G power-conversion efficiency. The CQD films are deposited at room temperature and under ambient atmosphere, rendering the process amenable to low-cost, roll-by-roll fabrication. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)765-771
Number of pages7
JournalNature Materials
Volume10
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 18 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanics of Materials
  • General Materials Science
  • General Chemistry
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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