Optimization of a ZnO/PbS depleted heterojunction quantum dot photovoltaic cell

Solar cells made with quantum dots as the active absorber are currently the subject of intense investigation. A key reason for this interest is the band gap tunability of quantum dots. The most commonly used quantum dots in the context of photovoltaics are lead sulfide (PbS) and lead selenide (PbSe) ones. Among the various device architectures that have been reported, the depleted heterojunction is the arguably the most widely examined one. In this study, the various factors that affect the performance of a ZnO/PbS depleted heterojunction solar cell are scrutinized. In particular, the effect of EDT (1,2-ethanedithiol) treatment and the thickness of molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) on device performance are examined.