Charging colloidal quantum dots by electrochemistry

The combination of electrochemistry and spectroscopy has allowed to establish novel charge induced phenomena in colloidal quantum dots thin films, including tuning the optical bandgap, modifying the fluorescence properties, and achieving conductivity. This is a brief review on the topic of charging colloidal quantum dots by electrochemistry. Correspondence: Philippe Guyot-Sionnest, James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, 929 E. 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA     

Aqueous-processed insulating polymer/nanocrystal solar cells with effective suppression of the leakage current and carrier recombination

As one of the most environmentally friendly photovoltaic(PV) conversion equipments,aqueousprocessed CdTe nanocrystal solar cells(NC SCs) have attracted great interest in recent years because of their excellent properties such as high charge-carrier mobility and broad absorption.However,two issues including interfacial recombination and leakage current seriously restrict their performance.In this paper,insulating polymer poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)(PVP) is introduced into CdTe NC SCs to solve the problems.The experimental results of transmission electron microscopy(TEM),atomic force micro scopy(AFM) and dark current measurements,etc.,demonstrate the leakage current is effectively suppressed by introducing PVP.Through further designing device structure,the reduction of interfacial recombination after introducing PVP is confirmed.By strategically taking the advantages of PVP properties(e.g.,water solubility and thermostability),the power conversion efficiency of the devices with PVP is enhanced by almost 37% compared to pure CdTe devices.This work demonstrates an effective and low-cost method to fabricate NC SCs via aqueous route.Moreover,it also proves that appropriate content of insulating polymer is of beneficial in promoting the PV performance.     

Colloidal CdSe quantum dot electroluminescence: ligands and light-emitting diodes

We examine the effects of surface ligand exchange on the performance of hybrid organic/inorganic light emitting diodes (LEDs) that use colloidal nanocrystal quantum dots as emissive centers. Using a series of primary alkylamines with different alkane chain lengths, we exchange the native surface ligands on a series of CdSe/CdZnS/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystal quantum dots and compare the differences in photoluminescence and electroluminescence efficiency of the emissive quantum dot layer. We fabricate LEDs made with octadecylamine-, octylamine-, and butylamine-exchanged quantum dots. We find that the differences in electroluminescence efficiency of the devices are not always proportional to the photoluminescence quantum efficiency of the quantum dots. We discuss this trend both in terms of the competing needs of high photoluminescence efficiency and good charge injection and energy transfer, and also in terms of the different processability and film morphology arising from the use of nanoparticles passivated with shorter ligands. Correspondence: David S. Ginger, Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1700, USA     

贫PbI2基体的胶体量子点固体用于高效红外太阳能电池(英文)

胶体量子点(CQD)具有优异的红外光吸收能力和光谱可调特性,是用于制备高效太阳能电池最有前途的红外光电材料之一。然而,以醋酸铵(AA)为添加剂的液相配体交换会导致CQD固体中产生宽带隙PbI₂基质,其将作为电荷传输势垒,在很大程度上影响了CQD太阳能电池(CQDSC)中载流子的提取,从而影响了光伏性能。本文报道利用二甲基碘化铵(DMAI)调节CQD配体交换过程,使载流子在CQD固体中的传输势垒大幅降低。通过对CQD固体进行全面的表征和理论计算,充分揭示了DMAI和CQD之间的相互作用。结果表明,通过DMAI调节CQD配体交换过程,使CQD固体均匀堆积,提高了载流子输运性能,并且陷阱辅助复合受到显著抑制。因此,CQDSC器件中的载流子提取得到了大幅提高,能量转换效率(PCE)比用AA制备的CQDSC器件提高了17.8%。此工作为调控CQD表面化学特性提供了新的研究思路,并为降低CQD固体中载流子输运的势垒提供了可行的方法。     

水热法可控合成二氧化钛纳米晶及其在染料敏化太阳能电池中的应用

本文报道了水热法可控合成二氧化钛纳米晶及其在染料敏化太阳能电池中的应用.选择合适的有机碱胶化剂,能很好地控制二氧化钛纳米晶的生长,形成不同形貌和粒径的锐钛矿型二氧化钛纳米晶颗粒.染料敏化太阳能电池光电性能测试结果表明,以四乙基氢氧化铵为胶化剂合成的边长为8～13nm的正方形二氧化钛纳米晶构成的光阳极光电性能优于以四丁基氢氧化铵为胶化剂合成的边长为7～10nm的正方形二氧化钛纳米晶以及长18～35nm,宽10～18nm的长方形二氧化钛纳米晶构成的光阳极.用较高浓度的四甲基氢氧化铵胶化剂能合成球形或椭球形亚微米级二氧化钛颗粒,以其为散射中心在光阳极中构建散射层,染料敏化太阳能电池的光电转换效率能由6.77%提高到8.18%.     

Controllable hydrothermal synthesis of nanocrystal TiO2 particles and their use in dye-sensitized solar cells

A simple method for the controllable hydrothermal synthesis of nanocrystalline anatase TiO2(nc-TiO2) particles involving the selection of suitable organic alkali peptizing agents is reported.A dye-sensitized solar cell(DSSC) with square-like nc-TiO2 particles with side lengths about 8-13 nm-prepared using tetraethylammonium hydroxide(TEAOH)-in the photoelectrode showed higher photovoltaic performance than two other DSSCs with square-like nc-TiO2 particles with side lengths about 7-10 nm-prepared using tetrabutylammonium hydroxide-or elongated nc-TiO2 particles with lengths about 18-35 nm and width about 10 18 nm-prepared using tetramethylammonium hydroxide(TMAOH)-in the photoelectrodes.When a scattering layer prepared from sub-micron size spheres or cone-like nc-TiO2 particles-synthesized using a higher concentration of TMAOH-was added on top of the photoelectrode fabricated from nc-TiO2 synthesized with TEAOH,the energy conversion efficiency of the DSSC was markedly increased from 6.77% to 8.18%.     

Facile synthesis of nanocrystal encoded fluorescent silica microspheres

Monodisperse CdTe composite microspheres with a spherical shape were prepared using organosilane chemicals in aqueous solution. CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) were loaded into the matrix of silica microspheres during the formation of composite microspheres. Detailed characterization of the CdTe composite microspheres by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and spectrofluorimeter was performed to elucidate the morphology and fluorescence of the composite microspheres. In contrast to CdTe NCs in aqueous solution, CdTe NCs in the composite microspheres revealed high stability and fluorescence due to the confined effects of silica matrix. In addition, multicolored CdTe QDs were encoded into the microspheres at precise ratios.     

基于量子点涂料的柔性光阳极及碳基对电极的制备和优化

首先制备出量子点(QDs)/TiO_2涂料,分别采用丝网印刷法与刀刮法将涂料涂覆于ITO/PET柔性基底上,结果表明刀刮法制备量子点敏化太阳电池(QDSCs)效果更佳,且具有普适性。基于铜片对电极所组装的ZnCuInSe,CdSe和CdSeTe量子点半柔性QDSCs最高效率分别达2.83%,2.46%和1.99%。另外,我们对石墨纸进行表面化学修饰以提高亲水性,再通过简单的连续离子交换吸附法(SILAR)在石墨纸上负载Cu_xS纳米粒子,制备出Cu_xS/GP柔性对电极,进一步组装成全柔性QDSCs,获得了2.13%光电转化效率。     

基于量子点涂料的柔性光阳极及碳基对电极的制备和优化

首先制备出量子点（QDs）/TiO₂涂料,分别采用丝网印刷法与刀刮法将涂料涂覆于ITO/PET柔性基底上,结果表明刀刮法制备量子点敏化太阳电池（QDSCs）效果更佳,且具有普适性。基于铜片对电极所组装的ZnCuInSe,CdSe和CdSeTe量子点半柔性QDSCs最高效率分别达2.83%,2.46%和1.99%。另外,我们对石墨纸进行表面化学修饰以提高亲水性,再通过简单的连续离子交换吸附法（SILAR）在石墨纸上负载Cu_xS纳米粒子,制备出Cu_xS/GP柔性对电极,进一步组装成全柔性QDSCs,获得了2.13%光电转化效率。     

Magnesium ferrite nanocrystal clusters for magnetorheological fluid with enhanced sedimentation stability

In this study, magnesium ferrite (MgFe₂O₄) nanocrystal clusters were synthesized using an ascorbic acid-assistant solvothermal method and evaluated as a candidate for magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The morphology, microstructure and magnetic properties of the MgFe₂O₄ nanocrystal clusters were investigated in detail by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The MgFe₂O₄ nanocrystal clusters were suspended in silicone oil to prepare MR fluid and the MR properties were tested using a Physica MCR301 rheometer fitted with a magneto-rheological module. The prepared MR fluid showed typical Bingham plastic behavior, changing from a liquid-like to a solid-like structure under an external magnetic field. Compared with the conventional carbonyl iron particles, MgFe₂O₄ nanocrystal clusters-based MR fluid demonstrated enhanced sedimentation stability due to the reduced mismatch in density between the particles and the carrier medium. In summary, the as-prepared MgFe₂O₄ nanocrystal clusters are regarded as a promising candidate for MR fluid with enhanced sedimentation stability.     

量子点敏化太阳能电池研究进展

量子点敏化太阳能电池(QDSCs)因其制备成本低、工艺简单及量子点(QDs)本身的优异性能(如尺寸效应、多激子效应)等优点,近年来受到广泛关注。在此类电池中,无机半导体量子点敏化剂作为吸光材料,其自身的光电性质、制备方法、表面缺陷、化学稳定性及其在TiO₂光阳极上的敏化方法等是影响电池性能的关键。本文综述了无机半导体量子点敏化剂(包括窄带隙二元量子点、多元合金量子点及Type-Ⅱ核壳量子点)的最新研究进展,重点介绍了胶体量子点的制备方法;分类阐释了量子点在TiO₂光阳极表面的沉积与敏化方法,特别是双官能团辅助自组装吸附法;总结了针对提高电子注入效率和减少复合的量子点表面修饰方法;最后简要介绍了QDSCs的电解质和对电极的研究进展。     

Surface and Interface Chemistry in Colloidal Quantum Dots for Solar Applications Studied by X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Control of the surface and interface chemistry of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) is critical to achieving a product with good air stability and high performing optoelectronic devices. Through various surface passivation treatments, vast improvements have been made in fields such as CQD photovoltaics; however devices have not currently reached commercial standards. We show how X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can provide a better understanding of exactly how surface treatments act on CQD surfaces, and the effect of surface composition on air stability and device performance.. We illustrate this with PbS‐based CQDs, using XPS to measure oxidation processes, and to quantify the composition of the topmost surface layer after different surface treatments. We also demonstrate the use of synchrotron radiation‐excited depth‐profiling XPS, a powerful technique for determining the surface composition, chemistry and structure of CQDs. This review describes our recent progress in characterization of CQD surfaces using SR‐excited depth profiling XPS and other photoemission techniques.     

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/cellulose nanocrystal barrier membranes

In this study, barrier membranes were prepared from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) with different amounts of cellulose nanocrystals (CNXLs) as filler. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was used as a crosslinking agent to provide water resistance to PVOH. The membranes were heat treated at various temperatures to optimize the crosslinking density. Heat treatment at 170 °C for 45 min resulted in membranes with improved water resistance without polymer degradation. Infrared spectroscopy indicated ester bond formation with heat treatment. Mechanical tests showed that membranes with 10% CNXLs/10% PAA/80% PVOH were synergistic and had the highest tensile strength, tensile modulus and toughness of all the membranes studied. Polarized optical microscopy showed agglomeration of CNXLs at filler loadings greater than 10%. Differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTGA) showed a highly synergistic effect with 10% CNXL/10% PAA/80% PVOH and supported the tensile test results.Transport properties were studied, including water vapor transport rate and the transport of trichloroethylene, a representative industrial toxic material. Water vapor transmission indicated that all the membranes allowed moisture to pass. However, moisture transport was reduced by the presence of both CNXLs and PAA crosslinking agent. A standard time lag diffusion test utilizing permeation cups was used to study the chemical barrier properties. The membranes containing ≥10% CNXLs or PAA showed significantly reduced flux compared to the control. The CNXLs were then modified by surface carboxylation in order to better understand the mechanism of transport reduction. While barrier performance improvements were minimal, the chemical modification improved the dispersion of the modified CNXLs which led to improved performance. Of special note was an increase in the initial degradation temperatures of both modified and unmodified systems, with the modified system showing an initial degradation temperature >100 °C higher than the cellulose alone. This may reflect more extensive crosslinking in the modified composite.     

聚合物太阳能电池材料研究进展

本文介绍了几种常见的聚合物太阳电池材料。综述了聚合物太阳电池材料的合成、发展历史和现状,对其应用前景进行了展望。参考文献59篇。     

Polymer-fullerene composite solar cells

Fossil fuel alternatives, such as solar energy, are moving to the forefront in a variety of research fields. Polymer-based organic photovoltaic systems hold the promise for a cost-effective, lightweight solar energy conversion platform, which could benefit from simple solution processing of the active layer. The function of such excitonic solar cells is based on photoinduced electron transfer from a donor to an acceptor. Fullerenes have become the ubiquitous acceptors because of their high electron affinity and ability to transport charge effectively. The most effective solar cells have been made from bicontinuous polymer-fullerene composites, or so-called bulk heterojunctions. The best solar cells currently achieve an efficiency of about 5%, thus significant advances in the fundamental understanding of the complex interplay between the active layer morphology and electronic properties are required if this technology is to find viable application.     

Polymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite: forthcoming materials for technical application

This endeavor presents state-of-the-art overview on polymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite. Carbon-based quantum dot (graphene quantum dot, carbon nanodot, and polymer dot) are ～10nm. Carbon-based quantum dot own exciting features such as tunable optoelectronic and photoluminescence properties, high stability, chemical inertness, low cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility owing to quantum confinement and edge effects. Main emphasis of article was to see the combined effect of polymer and carbon-based quantum dot in nanocomposite. Five major categories have been reviewed in this article including conjugated polymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite, epoxy/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite, polystyrene/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite, poly(dimethyl siloxane)/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite, and block copolymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite. The review also refers to cutting edge application areas of polymer/carbon-based quantum dot nanocomposite. Conducting polymer/carbon quantum dot nanocomposite has been integrated in energy storage devices, detectors, and electronic devices. These materials are also promising candidates for bulk heterojunction solar cells and light-emitting diodes. Another important use is the identification and removal of toxic metals. Functional materials have also been used for fluorescence imaging of live cells. Modification of carbon-based quantum dot and incorporation in appropriate polymer matrices can be adopted as powerful future tool enabling desired tailored applicability of nanocomposite in advance high performance technical applications.     

铜锌锡硫的合成及其光电应用

铜锌锡硫(CZTS)半导体常作为对电极材料被应用于量子点敏化太阳能电池(QDSCs)中,然而效率一直低于4%。本文采用热注入法合成出纳米尺寸的CZTS并制成对电极(CZTS/FTO),用其组装的Cd Se QDSCs和Cd Se Te QDSCs的效率(PCE)分别达到了5.75%和7.64%。电化学阻抗谱、塔菲尔极化等表征证明电池效率的提高与CZTS良好的导电性及催化活性联系密切。     

铜锌锡硫的合成及其光电应用

铜锌锡硫(CZTS)半导体常作为对电极材料被应用于量子点敏化太阳能电池(QDSCs)中,然而效率一直低于4%。本文采用热注入法合成出纳米尺寸的CZTS并制成对电极(CZTS/FTO),用其组装的CdSe QDSCs和CdSeTe QDSCs的效率(PCE)分别达到了5.75%和7.64%。电化学阻抗谱、塔菲尔极化等表征证明电池效率的提高与CZTS良好的导电性及催化活性联系密切。     

硅纳米晶的制备及其在太阳电池中的应用研究

硅纳米晶由于量子限域效应的作用而产生了多种不同于体硅材料的新特性,如荧光效应显著、光学带隙可调等,因而在微电子、光伏、生物医学等领域受到极大的重视。本文介绍了分立的硅纳米晶颗粒和硅纳米晶薄膜的制备方法,并对比了不同方法制备硅纳米晶体的优缺点。着重介绍了硅纳米晶体在太阳电池中应用的几种方式,包括利用纯硅纳米晶薄膜制备太阳电池、硅纳米晶体与有机薄膜基质结合形成复合结构太阳电池、含有硅纳米晶颗粒的硅墨水在太阳电池中的应用等。