Panchromatic quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells based on a parallel tandem structure.

A tandem-structure sensitized solar cell, comprising different inorganic semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as sensitizers in two different compartments, has been designed for the first time with the aim of extending the light-absorption range of current technologies. In this system, the CdS/CdSe co-sensitized quantum-dot solar cell (QDSC) is in the upper part, whereas the PbS/CdS co-sensitized QDSC is in the lower part; these are connected in parallel with each other. In the middle of the tandem solar cell, a Cu2 S mesh counter electrode is employed. By optimizing the electrode thickness and QD-deposition time, short-circuit photocurrent density values of as high as 25.12 mA cm(-2) have been achieved; this value is nearly equal to the sum of the two constituent QD-sensitized devices and gives rise to a solar power-conversion efficiency of 5.06 %.