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Enhanced Multiple Exciton Generation in PbS|CdS Janus-like Heterostructured Nanocrystals

Journal Article · · ACS Nano

Generating multiple excitons by a single high-energy photon is a promising third generation solar energy conversion strategy. We demonstrate that multiple exciton generation (MEG) in PbS|CdS Janus-like hetero-nanostructures is enhanced over that of single-component and core/shell nanocrystal architectures, with an onset close to two times the PbS band gap. We attribute the enhanced MEG to the asymmetric nature of the hetero-nanostructure that results in an increase in the effective Coulomb interaction that drives MEG and a reduction of the competing hot exciton cooling rate. Slowed cooling occurs through effective trapping of hot-holes by a manifold of valence band interfacial states having both PbS and CdS character, as evidenced by photoluminescence studies and by ab initio calculations. Using transient photocurrent spectroscopy, we find that the MEG characteristics of the individual nanostructures are maintained in conductive arrays and demonstrate that these quasi-spherical PbS|CdS nanocrystals can be incorporated as the main absorber layer in functional solid-state solar cell architectures. Finally, based upon our analysis, we provide design rules for the next generation of engineered nanocrystals to further improve the MEG characteristics.

Research Organization:
Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) (United States). Center for Advanced Solar Photophysics (CASP); National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1471985
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1489380
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA--5900-71834
Journal Information:
ACS Nano, Journal Name: ACS Nano Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 12; ISSN 1936-0851
Publisher:
American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (10)

Engineering the Band Alignment in QD Heterojunction Films via Ligand Exchange journal November 2019
Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO on InP Quantum Dot Films for Charge Separation, Stabilization, and Solar Cell Formation journal January 2020
Sensitization of SnO 2 Single Crystals with Multidentate‐Ligand‐Capped PbS Colloid Quantum Dots to Enhance the Photocurrent Stability journal February 2020
Hot-electron dynamics in quantum dots manipulated by spin-exchange Auger interactions journal October 2019
Colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals: a promising juggernaut in photovoltaic applications journal January 2019
Photoexcited carrier dynamics in colloidal quantum dot solar cells: insights into individual quantum dots, quantum dot solid films and devices journal January 2020
Theoretical limits of multiple exciton generation and singlet fission tandem devices for solar water splitting journal September 2019
Tailoring the electronic properties of semiconducting nanocrystal-solids journal November 2019
Wearable sensors based on colloidal nanocrystals journal April 2019
Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO on InP Quantum Dot Films for Charge Separation, Stabilization, and Solar Cell Formation text January 2020

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