ADVANCING QUANTUM DOT-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS: TRANSITION METAL-SULFIDE-BASED COUNTER ELECTRODES FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY AND STABLE PHOTOVOLTAICS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjoest.v6i2.224Keywords:
Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells (QDSSCs), Transition Metal Sulfides (TMS), counter electrode materials, photovoltaic efficiency, polysulfide electrolyte compatibilityAbstract
Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) represent a leading-edge innovation within third-generation photovoltaic systems, owing to the unique light-harvesting capabilities of quantum dots (QDs), including multiple exciton generation, tunable band gaps, and high absorption coefficients. Despite their potential for achieving power conversion efficiencies (PCE) beyond those of conventional solar technologies, challenges remain; particularly in the stability and performance of counter electrodes (CEs). Platinum (Pt), while efficient, suffers from catalytic degradation in polysulfide electrolytes, limiting its suitability for QDSSC applications. This review explores the use of transition metal sulfides (TMS), such as NiS, CoS, Cu₂S, and PbS, as alternative CE materials due to their abundance, low cost, and promising electrocatalytic properties. Emphasis is placed on their compatibility with polysulfide electrolytes, structural stability, and ability to enhance interfacial charge transfer, which directly impacts overall device performance. The paper also discusses the synthesis techniques employed, chemical bath deposition and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction, and how they influence the morphology, adhesion, and efficiency of the CEs. Among the materials reviewed, nickel sulfide-based electrodes stand out due to their low charge transfer resistance, high Jsc values, and excellent long-term operational stability. Composite materials such as NiS/PbS and Cu₂S/graphene hybrids show synergistic effects, enhancing both catalytic performance and mechanical durability. By identifying and evaluating viable alternatives to noble metals, this study underscores the critical role of CE materials in advancing QDSSC technology toward scalable, efficient, and cost-effective solar energy solutions.
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