Electrochemically synthesised CdSe nanofibers and pearl-chain nanostructures for photovoltaic applications

Self-assembled arrays of CdSe nanofibers with diameter of 40 nm and length about 2 μm were electrodeposited onto glass/ITO substrates in aqueous media. Thermal treatments of CdSe nanofibers were applied and the influence of treatment on morphology, optical and electrical parameters were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of CdSe structures revealed the change in the morphology of CdSe structures from nanofibers to pearl chain-like nanostructures after thermal treatment at 350 °C in air. Also CdSe nanostructures were characterized by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The poly(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT) functional layers were deposited on CdSe nanowires by spin-casting technique to prepare hybrid photovoltaic (PV) structures. Obtained CdSe nanowires/P3OT PV structures were characterized and partially optimized by additional post-deposition thermal treatment.

► CdSe nanofibers with ø 30–40 nm and length 1–2 μm were electrodeposited.
► Pearl necklace type CdSe fibers were formed after annealing in air at 350 °C.
► CdSe nanofibers/P3OT hybrid photovoltaic structures were fabricated.