Enhancement in efficiency of CdS/CdSe quantum dots-sensitized solar cells based on ZnO nanostructures by introduction of MnS layer

Abstract In this study, the formation of a MnS layer on the surface of ZnO films was investigated for improving the power conversion efficiency of CdS/CdSe co-sensitized quantum dot solar cells. The results showed that the MnS layer had a remarkable effect on the light-absorption characteristics and short-circuit current density of the solar cells by ensuring that a greater number of quantum dots were adsorbed and by reducing the charge-recombination rate. As a result, the CdS/CdSe/ZnS electrode based on the ZnO film modified with the MnS layer exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 3.45%, which was much higher than for the solar cells without a MnS layer (2.27%).