Nanoparticle-based screen printing of copper zinc tin sulfide thin film as photocathode for quantum dot sensitized solar cell

• CZTSe nanoparticles were synthetized via green method using water as solvent.
• CZTS thin film was fabricated by screen printing CZTSe nanoparticle ink.
• Tandem solar cell with CZTS photocathode shows improved performance.

Nanoparticle-based ink printing may offer excellent manufacturing scalability at very low cost relative to conventional approaches. In the present study, we prepared CZTS thin film by screen printing using CZTSe nanoparticle ink. Replacing the counter electrode of quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) with CZTS photocathode, we demonstrate a novel tandem solar cell with enhanced photoelectrochemical performances. The enhancement can be attributed to the secondary photon absorption by CZTS photocathode.

CZTSe nanoparticles were synthesized via a low temperature method using water as solvent. CZTS thin film was successfully fabricated by screen printing CZTSe nanoparticle ink. Replacing Pt counter electrode with CZTS photocathode, quantum dot solar cell showed extended light responding from 600 nm to 750 nm.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide