Cu-doped CdS QDs for sensitisation in solar cell

Copper (Cu)-doped cadmium sulphide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) sensitised zinc oxide photoelectrodes have been fabricated for a solar cell (SC). For the synthesis of QDs, simple chemical methods have been adapted and the QDs were prepared on poly-vinyl alcohol capping agent. The influences of doping on structural properties of QDs have been studied using X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy images. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy reveals an enhanced optical absorption in doped QDs. The photovoltaic performance of the Cu-doped CdS QDs was studied by measuring the current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics of the fabricated SC. An enhanced photo-conversion efficiency was observed in doped CdS QDs compared with the undoped QDs sensitised SC.