Synthesis and photoelectrochemical behavior of CdS quantum dots-sensitized indium–tin–oxide mesoporous film

In this paper, we reported an investigation on a new photoelectrode of quantum dots-sensitized solar cell (QDSC) combining indium–tin–oxide (ITO) mesoporous film and CdS quantum dots (QDs). The ITO mesoporous film was prepared by doctor-blade technique and CdS QDs attached on ITO mesoporous film were synthesized by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X-ray spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the samples. The results indicated that the ITO mesoporous film was uniform, crack-free and highly porous. And absorbance in visible region was enhanced after the deposition of CdS QDs on ITO mesoporous film. The photoelectrochemical property of the CdS QDs-sensitized ITO mesoporous film photoelectrode was investigated by forming a photoelectrochemical cell. Photocurrent–voltage measurement showed that the photoelectrode was efficient in the cell as working electrode.

► A new photoelectrode based on doctor-blade ITO mesoporous film was constructed.
► The ITO mesoporous film was sensitized with CdS QDs using SILAR method.
► The photoelectrode efficiently absorbed visible light and generated photocurrent.