Quantum dot solar cells. Electrophoretic deposition of CdSe-C60 composite films and capture of photogenerated electrons with nC60 cluster shell

Brown, P. and Kamat, P.V.

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 130(28), 8890-8891 (2008)

NDRL 4762

Recent efforts have focused on the utilization of semiconductor quantum dots for designing next generation solar cells. These quantum dots are unique compared to bulk semiconductors or organic sensitizers. Quantum dots such as CdSe, PbSe, and InAs with their tunable band gaps offer improved light harvesting capability through the design of rainbow solar cells.6-8 They also offer the possibility of generating multiple charge carriers under high energy excitations. The challenge now is to capture these photogenerated electrons as quickly as they are generated and transport them to the electrode surface in an efficient manner..