Improved photovoltaic performances by post-deposition acidic treatments on tetrapod shaped colloidal nanocrystal solids

Abstract

The ligand exchange reaction with pyridine is the standard procedure for the integration of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) in photovoltaic devices; however, for large sized and irregularly shaped branched NCs, such as CdSe@CdTe tetrapods, this procedure can lead to a considerable waste of materials and the aggregation of NCs in the colloidal solution, therefore resulting in the formation of an inhomogeneous film and low device performances. Here, we report on alternative post-deposition treatments with carboxylic acids on films of CdSe@CdTe tetrapod shaped NCs. This approach guarantees the removal of the insulating surfactant, necessary to obtain good charge transport among NCs, while preserving the film integrity. We perform a complete characterization of the nanocrystalline films treated with different carboxylic acids and demonstrate the successful integration of such films in photovoltaic devices, showing a doubled efficiency with respect to the standard ligand exchange procedure. Our approach represents a general route towards the development of NC based devices with improved performances and minimized waste of material.


Tutti gli autori

  • R. Mastria , A. Rizzo , C. Nobile , S. Kumar , G. Maruccio , G. Gigli

Titolo volume/Rivista

NANOTECHNOLOGY


Anno di pubblicazione

2012

ISSN

0957-4484

ISBN

Non Disponibile


Numero di citazioni Wos

2

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018


Numero di citazioni Scopus

8

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018


Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile