Enhancement in Power Conversion Efficiency of CdS Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells Through a Decrease in Light Reflection

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that applying a Magnesium Fluoride anti-reflection layer on quantum dot sensitized solar cells significantly enhances their power conversion efficiency by reducing surface reflection.

Contribution

The paper introduces the use of a MgF2 anti-reflection layer to improve light absorption and efficiency in CdS quantum dot solar cells, achieving a 47% efficiency increase.

Findings

Maximum PCE of 3% with MgF2 AR layer

Efficiency increased by about 47% with AR layer

Reduced light reflection improves solar cell performance

Abstract

In this research, the effect of Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) Anti-Reflection (AR) layer was investigated in quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). MgF2 nanoparticles with the dominant size of 20 nm were grown by a thermal evaporation method and a thin layer was formed on the front side of the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. In order to study the effect of the AR layer on the efficiency of solar cells, this substrate was utilized in CdS QDSCs. In this conventional structure of QDSC, TiO2 nanocrystals (NCs) were applied on the FTO substrate, and then it was sensitized with CdS quantum dots (QDs). According to the results, the QDSCs with MgF2 AR layer represented the maximum Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of 3%. This efficiency was increased by about 47% compared to the reference cell without the AR layer. The reason is attributed to the presence of the AR layer and the reduction of incident light reflected from the surface of the solar cell.