A novel semiconductor-sensitized solar cell based on P3HT@CdS@TiO2 core-shell nanotube array

In this paper, a novel semiconductor-sensitized solar cell with the photoanode based on poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)@CdS@TiO2 nanotube array was fabricated. Vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays were prepared by a sol–gel based method using ZnO nanorod arrays as sacrificing template. CdS nanocrystals and a thin P3HT layer were electrodeposited onto the wall of TiO2 nanotube to prepare the photoanode of the semiconductor-sensitized solar cell. It has been demonstrated that the coating of P3HT on the surface of the CdS@TiO2 core-shell nanotube arrays could largely improve the photovoltaic performance of the solar cell. A power conversion efficiency of 1.16% was obtained with this type of solar cell.

► TiO2 nanotube arrays were prepared with ZnO nanorod arrays as templates.
► CdS were electrodeposited to form CdS@TiO2 core-shell nanostructure.
► P3HT was fabricated by an electrochemical route.
► A novel semiconductor-sensitized solar cell based on the P3HT@CdS@TiO2 nanotube arrays was fabricated.
► Applying P3HT, the photovoltaic performance of solar cell was improved largely.