Enhancing the light absorbance of polymer solar cells by introducing pulsed laser-deposited CuIn0.8Ga0.2Se2 nanoparticles

Evenly separated crystalline CuIn_0.8Ga_0.2Se₂ (CIGS) nanoparticles are deposited on ITO-glass substrate by pulsed laser deposition. Such CIGS layers are introduced between conjugated polymer layers and ITO-glass substrates for enhancing light absorbance of polymer solar cells. The P3HT:PCBM absorbance between 300 and 650 nm is enhanced obviously due to the introduction of CIGS nanoparticles. The current density-voltage curves of a P3HT:PCBM/CIGS solar cell demonstrate that the short-circuit current density is improved from 0.77 to 1.20 mA/cm². The photoluminescence spectra show that the excitons in the polymer are obviously quenched, suggesting that the charge transfer between the P3HT:PCBM and CIGS occurred. The results reveal that the CIGS nanoparticles may exhibit the localized surface plasmon resonance effect just as metallic nanostructures.

PACS

61.46. + w; 61.41.e; 81.15.Fg; 81.07.b     

Improved stability in P3HT:PCBM photovoltaics by incorporation of well‐designed polythiophene/graphene compositions

Morphological and photovoltaic stabilities of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl‐C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM) solar cells were investigated in pristine and modified states. To this end, four types of patterned/assembled nanostructures, namely reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐g‐poly(3‐dodecylthiophene)/P3HT patched‐like pattern, rGO–polythiophene/P3HT/PC₇₁BM nanofiber, rGO‐g‐P3HT/P3HT cake‐like pattern and supra(polyaniline (PANI)‐g‐rGO/P3HT), were designed on the basis of rGO and various conjugated polymers. Intermediately covered rGO nanosheets by P3HT crystals (supra(PANI‐g‐rGO/P3HT)) performed better than sparsely (patched‐like pattern) and fully (cake‐like pattern) covered ones in P3HT:PC₇₁BM solar cell systems. Supra(PANI‐g‐rGO/P3HT) nanohybrids largely phase‐separated in active layers (root mean square = 0.88 nm) and also led to the highest performance (power conversion efficiency of 5.74%). The photovoltaic characteristics demonstrated decreasing trends during air aging for all devices, but with distinct slopes. The steepest decreasing plots were obtained for the unmodified P3HT:PC₇₁BM devices (from 1.77% to 0.28%). The two supramolecules with the most ordered structures, that is, cake‐like pattern (10.12 mA cm^?2, 51%, 0.58 V, 2.2 × 10^?6 cm² V^?1 s^?1, 4.3 × 10^?5 cm² V^?1 s^?1, 0.69 nm and 2.99%) and supra(PANI‐g‐rGO/P3HT) (12.51 mA cm^?2, 57%, 0.63 V, 1.2 × 10^?5 cm² V^?1 s^?1, 3.4 × 10^?4 cm² V^?1 s^?1, 0.82 nm and 4.49%), strongly retained morphological and photovoltaic stabilities in P3HT:PC₇₁BM devices after 1 month of air aging. According to the morphological, optical, photovoltaic and electrochemical results, the supra(PANI‐g‐rGO/P3HT) nanohybrid was the best candidate for stabilizing P3HT:PC₇₁BM solar cells. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry     

Application of a polymer heterojunction in dye-sensitized solar cells

Using a blend heterojunction consisting of a C₆₀ derivative, [6,6]-phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as a charge carrier transfer medium to replace the I₃⁻/I⁻ redox electrolyte, a novel TiO₂/dye/PCBM/P3HT dye-sensitized solar cell was fabricated and characterized. It was found that the P3HT/PCBM heterojunction widened the incident light harvest range from ultraviolet to visible light, and improved the photoelectrical response of the dye-sensitized solar cell. We investigated the influence of the PCBM/P3HT ratio and barrier layer on the photoelectric performance of the solar cell and proposed optimized preparation conditions. The optimized solar cell with a barrier layer and PCBM/P3HT ratio of 1:2 had a short circuit current density of 5.52 mA cm⁻², an open circuit voltage of 0.87 V, a fill factor of 0.640 and a light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 3.09% under a simulated solar light irradiation of 100 mW cm⁻².     

Effect of the regioregularity of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) on the performances of organic photovoltaic devices

BACKGROUND: The highest efficiencies of bulk‐heterojunction solar cells from poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]‐phenyl C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) reported so far are close to 6%. Phenomena occurring during the photovoltaic process, such as the creation, diffusion and separation of excitons, as well as charge carrier transport, are governed by the active layer morphology. The latter phenomenon, which depends on the self‐organization of P3HT, can be influenced by its degree of regioregularity. The aim of this work is to clarify the relationship between the regioregularity of P3HT, the composition of P3HT/PCBM blends and the performances of photovoltaic devices. RESULTS: Two types of P3HTs with different degrees of regioregularity have been synthesized and used as active layers with PCBM in photovoltaic cells. The higher performances in photovoltaic devices are obtained for high‐regioregular P3HT and can be explained considering the self‐organizing properties of high‐regioregular P3HT, leading to higher sunlight absorption and higher hole mobilities. In addition, this report demonstrates the importance of the ratio of P3HT versus PCBM in correlation with the regioregularity of P3HT on the optical properties, charge transport and characteristics of photovoltaic cells. CONCLUSION: We have investigated the dependence of the photovoltaic properties of P3HT/PCBM blend‐based photovoltaic devices on the degree of regioregularity of P3HT. We find that the best performance is exhibited by devices based on highly regioregular P3HT. Also, the best performances are not obtained for the same P3HT:PCBM weight ratios for high‐regioregular P3HT (1:0.8) and low‐regioregular P3HT (1:3). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Efficient PbS/CdS co-sensitized solar cells based on TiO2 nanorod arrays

Narrow bandgap PbS nanoparticles, which may expand the light absorption range to the near-infrared region, were deposited on TiO₂ nanorod arrays by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method to make a photoanode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). The thicknesses of PbS nanoparticles were optimized to enhance the photovoltaic performance of PbS QDSCs. A uniform CdS layer was directly coated on previously grown PbS-TiO₂ photoanode to protect the PbS from the chemical attack of polysulfide electrolytes. A remarkable short-circuit photocurrent density (approximately 10.4 mA/cm²) for PbS/CdS co-sensitized solar cell was recorded while the photocurrent density of only PbS-sensitized solar cells was lower than 3 mA/cm². The power conversion efficiency of the PbS/CdS co-sensitized solar cell reached 1.3%, which was beyond the arithmetic addition of the efficiencies of single constituents (PbS and CdS). These results indicate that the synergistic combination of PbS with CdS may provide a stable and effective sensitizer for practical solar cell applications.     

Towards optimization of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes adhering with poly(3-hexylthiophene) for highly efficient polymer solar cells

In this paper, we present the optimization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by acid-treatment, solution ultrasonication time and dispersion in photoactive layer for efficient organic solar cells. After non-covalently adhering with poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), pre-functionalized SWCNTs were blended into the composites of P3HT and [6,6]-phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as photoactive layer, and a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.02% with a short-circuit current density of 11.46 mA/cm² was obtained from photovoltaic cell indium-tin oxide (ITO)/poly(ethylene-dioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/P3HT:PCBM:SWCNTs/Al with an optimum 0.3 wt% SWCNTs in P3HT:PCBM:SWCNTs nanocomposite, the PCE can be enhanced by more than 10% as compared to the control device ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/Al. The performance improvement by incorporating with functionalized SWCNTs is mainly attributed to the extension of excitons dissociation area and fastening charge carriers transfer across the active layer.     

Microstructures and photovoltaic performances of bismuth-ion doped Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films prepared via sputtering process

Bismuth-ion doped Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) solar cells were fabricated via sputtering technique. The influence of bismuth-ion doping on structural and photovoltaic characteristics of the fabricated CIGS films were explored in details. With doping of bismuth ions, the grain sizes of CIGS layers were enhanced appreciably due to liquid-phase sintering with the yielded intermediate compound. The secondary ion mass spectroscopy profile results indicated that the diffusion of bismuth ions into CIGS layers promoted dissemination of gallium species from the back contacts to the surface of CIGS layers. According to Hall measurement analysis, the carrier concentration in CIGS films was enhanced significantly with the doping of bismuth ions in the prepared films. The conversion efficiency of the bismuth-ion doped samples was increased approximately 10% in comparison with undoped samples due to the elevated gallium-ion diffusion and grain growth. Various photovoltaic parameters including saturated current and diode factors of the prepared doped CIGS solar cells were decreased owing to the inhibition of electron-hole recombination. This investigation demonstrated the improved photovoltaic performance and the structural characteristics of fabricated CIGS films after the doping of bismuth ions.     

In situ growth of CuInS2 nanocrystals on nanoporous TiO2 film for constructing inorganic/organic heterojunction solar cells

Inorganic/organic heterojunction solar cells (HSCs) have attracted increasing attention as a cost-effective alternative to conventional solar cells. This work presents an HSC by in situ growth of CuInS₂(CIS) layer as the photoabsorption material on nanoporous TiO₂ film with the use of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as hole-transport material. The in situ growth of CIS nanocrystals has been realized by solvothermally treating nanoporous TiO₂ film in ethanol solution containing InCl₃ · 4H₂O, CuSO₄ · 5H₂O, and thioacetamide with a constant concentration ratio of 1:1:2. InCl₃ concentration plays a significant role in controlling the surface morphology of CIS layer. When InCl₃ concentration is 0.1 M, there is a layer of CIS flower-shaped superstructures on TiO₂ film, and CIS superstructures are in fact composed of ultrathin nanoplates as ‘petals’ with plenty of nanopores. In addition, the nanopores of TiO₂ film are filled by CIS nanocrystals, as confirmed using scanning electron microscopy image and by energy dispersive spectroscopy line scan analysis. Subsequently, HSC with a structure of FTO/TiO₂/CIS/P3HT/PEDOT:PSS/Au has been fabricated, and it yields a power conversion efficiency of 1.4%. Further improvement of the efficiency can be expected by the optimization of the morphology and thickness of CIS layer and the device structure.     

Electroactive polythiophene/polystyrene bottlebrushes as morphology compatibilizers in photovoltaic systems

Poly(3‐thiophene ethanol) (P3ThEt)‐graft‐polystyrene (PSt) bottlebrushes were synthesized and applied in active layers of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) solar cells as morphology compatibilizers. In the presence of 15 wt% of P3ThEt‐graft‐PSt bottlebrush compatibilizers, the P3HT crystallite dimensions (D₍₁₀₀₎ = 45.67 nm and D₍₀₂₀₎ = 30.12 nm) and R_mean (38.96 nm) of PCBM clusters were the largest and the layer spacings were all the smallest (d₍₁₀₀₎ = 1.054 nm, d₍₀₂₀₎ = 0.301 nm and d_(PCBM) = 0.406 nm). These dimensional properties led to better hole (1.9 × 10^?3 cm² V^?1 s^?1) and electron (1.2 × 10^?2 cm² V^?1 s^?1) mobilities. The content of bottlebrushes was optimized at 15 wt%, and thereby the best photovoltaic results including the maximum cell efficiency of 5.37% were obtained for this turning point (12.75 mA cm^?2, 61%, 0.69 V). On exceeding the optimum weight percentage, all photovoltaic parameters decreased markedly and reached even less than that of pristine devices (1.92% versus 2.24%). After an optimum weight percentage of compatibilizers, further enhancement in bottlebrush content in active layers saturated and finally oversaturated the system and, consequently, the cell parameters significantly decreased. Accumulation of bottlebrushes in interfaces and donor/acceptor phases ruined the system function even with large and packed P3HT crystallites and PC71BM clusters. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry     

Ceramic Enamels as New Back Contacts for Cu (In,Ga) Se2‐Based Photovoltaic Tile

In this work, we investigated the properties of silver and gold enamels as potential back contacts for Cu (In, Ga) Se₂ (CIGS) solar cells. The enamels were deposited on ceramic tiles by nonvacuum printing techniques. Thus, we are proposing a development of integrated photovoltaic tile for the first time. We also explained the CIGS synthesis procedure using coprecipitation of selenite precursors. To deposit the precursor powders on the substrate, a doctor blade method is applied. The interface morphology between ceramic tile, back contact, and CIGS absorber was studied as a critical factor for the final solar cell performance. The thermal treatment effect on the back contact properties was also reported. Excellent compatibility between CIGS and gold layer was observed, keeping thickness and chemical composition adequate for photovoltaic applications. The band gap energy confirms assembly effectiveness. Unsatisfied results of silver diffusion toward CIGS absorber were obtained when silver enamels were used.     

CdS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on nano-branched TiO2 arrays

Nano-branched rutile TiO₂ nanorod arrays were grown on F:SnO₂ conductive glass (FTO) by a facile, two-step wet chemical synthesis process at low temperature. The length of the nanobranches was tailored by controlling the growth time, after which CdS quantum dots were deposited on the nano-branched TiO₂ arrays using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method to make a photoanode for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). The photovoltaic properties of the CdS-sensitized nano-branched TiO₂ solar cells were studied systematically. A short-circuit current intensity of approximately 7 mA/cm² and a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 0.95% were recorded for cells based on optimized nano-branched TiO₂ arrays, indicating an increase of 138% compared to those based on unbranched TiO₂ nanorod arrays. The improved performance is attributed to a markedly enlarged surface area provided by the nanobranches and better electron conductivity in the one-dimensional, well-aligned TiO₂ nanorod trunks.     

Using water‐soluble nickel acetate as hole collection layer for stable polymer solar cells

We report polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene (P3HT) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) using water‐soluble nickel acetate (Ni(CH₃COO)₂, NiAc) instead of acidic poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) : poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT : PSS) as hole collection layer (HCL) between the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode and photoactive layer. The NiAc layer can effectively decrease R_s and increase R_p and shows effective hole collection property. Under the illumination of AM1.5G, 100 mW/cm², the short‐circuit current density (J_sc) of the NiAc based device (ITO/NiAc/P3HT : PCBM/Ca/Al) reach 11.36 mA/cm², which is increased by 11% in comparison with that (10.19 mA/cm²) of PEDOT : PSS based device (ITO/PEDOT : PSS/P3HT : PCBM/Ca/Al). The power conversion efficiency of the NiAc based devices reach 3.76%, which is comparable to that (3.77%) of the device with PEDOT : PSS HCL under the same experimental conditions. Moreover, NiAc based PSCs show superior long‐term stability than PEDOT : PSS based PSCs. Our work gives a new option for HCL selection in designing more stable PSCs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Hybrid solar cells from MDMO-PPV and silicon nanocrystals

Solution-processed bulk heterojunction solar cells from silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) have shown promising power conversion efficiencies. Here we report on an attempt to enhance the performance of Si NC-polymer hybrid solar cells by using poly[2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) as a hole conductor, which is expected to yield a higher open circuit voltage than P3HT due to its lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Bulk heterojunction solar cells consisting of 3-5 nm silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) and poly[2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) have been fabricated. The properties of the hybrid Si NC/MDMO-PPV devices were studied as a function of the Si NC/MDMO-PPV weight ratio. Cells of 58 wt% 3-5 nm Si NCs showed the best overall performance under simulated one-sun AM 1.5 global illumination (100 mW cm(-2)). Compared to composite films of Si NCs and poly(3-hexylthiophene), we indeed observed an improved open circuit voltage but a lower power conversion efficiency from the Si NC/MDMO-PPV devices. The lower efficiency of Si NC/MDMO-PPV is correlated to the lower hole mobility and narrower absorption spectrum of MDMO-PPV compared to P3HT.     

Solvent effects on gravure-printed organic layers of nanoscale thickness for organic solar cells

The effects of different solvents on the fabrication of organic photovoltaic cells by gravure printing are reported. Polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells were fabricated with ITO/PEDOT: PSS/P3HT: PCBM/Al layer structures using 4–9 wt% mixtures of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) in 1,2-dichlorobenzene to optimize solution viscosity for gravure printing. 7 wt% P3HT: PCBM showed optimal efficiency of 1.64% and resulted in an active layer 340 nm thick. Three solvents, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, chloroform, and chlorobenzene, were tested and a 1: 1 ratio mixture of 1,2-dichlorobenzene and chloroform resulted in the best efficiency of 2.21%. This study demonstrates the importance of solvent effects in the gravure printing of organic photovoltaic devices.     

Butterfly nanostructures via regioregularly grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) to improve photovoltaic characteristics

Butterfly nanostructures were designed using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grafted with regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (RR‐P3HT) chains (CNT‐graft‐P3HT). The secondary crystallization of RR‐P3HT free chains onto CNT‐graft‐P3HT reflected the donor–acceptor supramolecules with a butterfly configuration, in which the CNT acted as the body of the butterfly and seeded crystallization of P3HT free chains resulted in the wings having a width of 37–38 nm. Butterfly supramolecules demonstrated high melting point (241.2 °C), fusion enthalpy (31.5 J g^?1) and crystallinity (85.13%). High photoluminescence quenching and thus donating–accepting property were also detected for the butterfly nanohybrids with a bandgap energy of 1.94 eV. Incorporation of butterfly nanostructures in the active layer of photovoltaic devices (P3HT:butterfly) conspicuously affected the system characteristics including short circuit current density (J_sc; 10.84 mA cm^?2), fill factor (FF; 56%) and power conversion efficiency (PCE; 3.94%). The inclusion of phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester molecules as second acceptor in thin‐film active layers further increased the efficacy of systems, i.e. J_sc of 12.23 mA cm^?2, FF of 63%, open circuit voltage of 0.66 V and PCE of 5.08%, without considering external treatments and additives. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Photovoltaic Properties and Negative Capacitance Spectroscopy of PCBM:P3HT/FTO Nanostructured Counter Electrode for TiO2-Based DSSC

Nano-clusters blind films of phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) were deposited on fluorine doped tin-oxide (FTO) substrate by spin coating and applied as counter electrodes instead of platinum for a new FTO/TiO₂?+?K30 dye-sensitized solar cell. The photovoltaic parameters of the fabricated solar cell; open circuit voltage, short circuit current, output power and fill factor, were studied under various light intensities in the range 20:110?mW?cm^?2. An impedance spectroscopy study was also performed in a wide frequency range (5?kHz–1?MHz) to study the electron transport properties of the solar cells. The capacitance–voltage of the prepared DSSC is characterized by two parts: positive values of capacitance at low frequency range, f?≤?100?kHz and negative capacitance i.e., an inductive behavior, in higher frequency range f?≥ 300 kHz Conducting polymer electrode based on PCBM:P3HT/FTO can be used as a counter electrode in a DSSC.     

Fabrication and centeracterization of ordered CuIn(1?x)GaxSe2 nanopore films via template-based electrodeposition

Ordered CuIn_(1−x)Ga_xSe₂ (CIGS) nanopore films were prepared by one-step electrodeposition based on porous anodized aluminum oxide templates. The as-grown film shows a highly ordered morphology that reproduces the surface pattern of the substrate. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction pattern show that CIGS nanopore films had ideal chalcopyrite crystallization. Energy dispersive spectroscopy reveals the Cu-Se phases firstly formed in initial stage of growth. Then, indium and gallium were incorporated in the nanopore films in succession. Cu-Se phase is most likely to act as a growth promoter in the growth progress of CIGS nanopore films. Due to the high surface area and porous structure, this kind of CIGS films could have potential application in light-trapping CIGS solar cells and photoelectrochemical water splitting.     

Annealing effect on Sb2S3-TiO2 nanostructures for solar cell applications

Nanostructures composited of vertical rutile TiO₂ nanorod arrays and Sb₂S₃ nanoparticles were prepared on an F:SnO₂ conductive glass by hydrothermal method and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method at low temperature. Sb₂S₃-sensitized TiO₂ nanorod solar cells were assembled using the Sb₂S₃-TiO₂ nanostructure as the photoanode and a polysulfide solution as an electrolyte. Annealing effects on the optical and photovoltaic properties of Sb₂S₃-TiO₂ nanostructure were studied systematically. As the annealing temperatures increased, a regular red shift of the bandgap of Sb₂S₃ nanoparticles was observed, where the bandgap decreased from 2.25 to 1.73 eV. At the same time, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency for the nanostructured solar cells increased from 0.46% up to 1.47% as a consequence of the annealing effect. This improvement can be explained by considering the changes in the morphology, the crystalline quality, and the optical properties caused by the annealing treatment.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel fulleropyrrolidine in P3HT blended bulk heterojunction solar cells

Synthesis of novel fullerene derived electron acceptors and characterization of their organic photovoltaic (OPV) properties is important for advancing fundamental knowledge towards developing next generation organic solar cells. We report the synthesis of a novel fulleropyrrolidine derivative C60-fused N-(3-methoxypropyl)-2-(carboxyethyl)-5-(4-cyanophenyl)fulleropyrrolidine (NCPF) by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction and characterization of NCPF by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, MALDI-TOFMS, FT-IR, UV–Vis and CV. The synthesized NCPF fullerene derivative showed good solubility in common organic solvents such as chlorobenzene and 1,2 dichlorobenzene important for film formation, with optical absorbance and electronic properties comparable to PCBM. Optical micrographs of P3HT:PCBM thin films reveal formation of sparse, phase segregated needle shape PCBM micro-crystalline aggregates after 1 h of annealing at 150 °C whose length follows nucleation and growth kinetics over 24 h. In contrast, the P3HT:NCPF thin films exhibit homogeneity over 24 h, possibly due to weaker interparticle vanderWaals forces and/or stronger interactions with P3HT. This long term morphological stability of P3HT:NCPF is important for extended use in OPV applications. At an order of magnitude smaller scale, AFM of as cast and 10 min annealed at 150 °C P3HT:PCBM and P3HT:NCPF films reveal mostly smooth surfaces, with some NCPF cluster formation. Grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) measurements of P3HT:NCPF films indicate an increase of P3HT crystallinity with thermal annealing, leading to improvement in device performance. Photovoltaic devices fabricated with the active layer of P3HT:NCPF and P3HT:PCBM sandwiched between ITO/PEDOT:PSS and Al layer showed comparable performance upon short term annealing.     

Pulsed laser deposition of single-crystalline Cu7In3/CuIn0.8Ga0.2Se2 core/shell nanowires

Single-crystalline Cu₇In₃/CuIn_0.8Ga_0.2Se₂ (CI/CIGS) core/shell nanowires are fabricated by pulsed laser deposition with Ni nanoparticles as catalyst. The CI/CIGS core/shell nanowires are made up of single-crystalline CI cores surrounded by single-crystalline CIGS shells. The CI/CIGS nanowires are grown at a considerably low temperature (350°C ~ 450°C) by vapor-liquid-solid mode combined with vapor-solid mode. The distribution density of the nanowires increases with the increasing of the deposition duration, and the substrate temperature determines the lengths of the nanowires. The U-V absorption spectra of the CIGS thin films with and without the CI/CIGS core/shell nanowires demonstrate that the CI/CIGS nanowires can remarkably enhance the absorption of CIGS thin films in the spectrum range of 300 to 900 nm.

PACS

61.46. + w; 61.41.e; 81.15.Fg; 81.07.b