Infrared Solution-Processed Quantum Dot Solar Cells Reaching External Quantum Efficiency of 80% at 1.35 µm and J<sub>sc</sub> in Excess of 34 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>.

Bi, Yu; Pradhan, Santanu; Gupta, Shuchi; Akgul, Mehmet Zafer; Stavrinadis, Alexandros; Konstantatos, Gerasimos · Adv Mater · 2018

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Developing low-cost photovoltaic absorbers that can harvest the short-wave infrared (SWIR) part of the solar spectrum, which remains unharnessed by current Si-based and perovskite photovoltaic technologies, is a prerequisite for making high-efficiency, low-cost tandem solar cells. Here, infrared PbS colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells employing a hybrid inorganic-organic ligand exchange process that results in an external quantum efficiency of 80% at 1.35 µm are reported, leading to a short-circuit current density of 34 mA cm<sup>-2</sup> and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 7.9%, which is a current record for SWIR CQD solar cells. When this cell is placed at the back of an MAPbI<sub>3</sub> perovskite film, it delivers an extra 3.3% PCE by harnessing light beyond 750 nm.