Enhanced performance of CdS/CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells by long-persistence phosphors structural layer

Light absorption plays an important role in improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). In this study, a multifunctional long-persistence phosphor (LPP) layer was introduced into the CdS/CdSe QDSSCs via a simple doctor blade method. The LPP layer can simultaneously improve the light harvesting and photo charge transfer in CdS/CdSe QDSSCs. As a result, their short-circuit current and corresponding PCE are effectively enhanced. The PCE can reach up to 5.07%, which is about 24% larger than that of the conventional CdS/CdSe QDSSCs without LPP layer. The solar cells can work in dark for a while due to the long-lasting fluorescence of the LPP layer. This research provides an effective way to improve the PCE of QDSSCs, and finds the possibility for all-weather QDSSCs.