1
|
Jin L, Selopal GS, Tong X, Perepichka DF, Wang ZM, Rosei F. Heavy-Metal-Free Colloidal Quantum Dots: Progress and Opportunities in Solar Technologies. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2402912. [PMID: 38923167 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202402912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) hold great promise as building blocks in solar technologies owing to their remarkable photostability and adjustable properties through the rationale involving size, atomic composition of core and shell, shapes, and surface states. However, most high-performing QDs in solar conversion contain hazardous metal elements, including Cd and Pb, posing significant environmental risks. Here, a comprehensive review of heavy-metal-free colloidal QDs for solar technologies, including photovoltaic (PV) devices, solar-to-chemical fuel conversion, and luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), is presented. Emerging synthetic strategies to optimize the optical properties by tuning the energy band structure and manipulating charge dynamics within the QDs and at the QDs/charge acceptors interfaces, are analyzed. A comparative analysis of different synthetic methods is provided, structure-property relationships in these materials are discussed, and they are correlated with the performance of solar devices. This work is concluded with an outlook on challenges and opportunities for future work, including machine learning-based design, sustainable synthesis, and new surface/interface engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jin
- Centre for Energy, Materials and Telecommunications, National Institute of Scientific Research, 1650 Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, QC, J3X1P7, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Gurpreet Singh Selopal
- Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, 39 Cox Rd, Banting Building, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada
| | - Xin Tong
- Shimmer Center, Tianfu Jiangxi Laboratory, Chengdu, 641419, P. R. China
| | - Dmytro F Perepichka
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Zhiming M Wang
- Shimmer Center, Tianfu Jiangxi Laboratory, Chengdu, 641419, P. R. China
| | - Federico Rosei
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgeri 1, Trieste, 34127, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang H, Liu J, Besteiro LV, Selopal GS, Zhao Z, Sun S, Rosei F. Advanced Interface Engineering in Gradient Core/Shell Quantum Dots Enables Efficient Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306203. [PMID: 38128031 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Semiconductor core/shell quantum dots (QDs) are considered promising building blocks to fabricate photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells for the direct conversion of solar energy into hydrogen (H2). However, the lattice mismatch between core and shell in such QDs results in undesirable defects and severe carrier recombination, limiting photo-induced carrier separation/transfer and solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency. Here, an interface engineering approach is explored to minimize the core-shell lattice mismatch in CdS/CdSexS1-x (x = 0.09-1) core/shell QDs (g-CSG). As a proof-of-concept, PEC cells based on g-CSG QDs yield a remarkable photocurrent density of 13.1 mA cm-2 under AM 1.5 G one-sun illumination (100 mW cm-2), which is ≈54.1% and ≈33.7% higher compared to that in CdS/CdSe0.5S0.5 (g-CSA) and CdS/CdSe QDs (g-CS), respectively. Theoretical calculations and carrier dynamics confirm more efficient carrier separation and charge transfer rate in g-CSG QDs with respect to g-CSA and g-CS QDs. These results are attributed to the minimization of the core-shell lattice mismatch by the cascade gradient shell in g-CSG QDs, which modifies carrier confinement potential and reduces interfacial defects. This work provides fundamental insights into the interface engineering of core/shell QDs and may open up new avenues to boost the performance of PEC cells for H2 evolution and other QDs-based optoelectronic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710126, P. R. China
| | - Jiabin Liu
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, 1650 Boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Québec, J3X 1P7, Canada
| | | | - Gurpreet S Selopal
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, 1650 Boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Québec, J3X 1P7, Canada
- Department of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada
| | - Zhenhuan Zhao
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710126, P. R. China
| | - Shuhui Sun
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, 1650 Boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Québec, J3X 1P7, Canada
| | - Federico Rosei
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, 1650 Boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Québec, J3X 1P7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee HC, Park JH, In SI, Yang J. Recent advances in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production using I-III-VI quantum dots. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 38683106 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01040j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, recognized for its potential in producing solar hydrogen through clean and sustainable methods, has gained considerable interest, particularly with the utilization of semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs). This minireview focuses on recent advances in PEC hydrogen production using I-III-VI semiconductor QDs. The outstanding optical and electrical properties of I-III-VI QDs, which can be readily tuned by modifying their size, composition, and shape, along with an inherent non-toxic nature, make them highly promising for PEC applications. The performance of PEC devices using these QDs can be enhanced by various strategies, including ligand modification, defect engineering, doping, alloying, and core/shell heterostructure engineering. These approaches have notably improved the photocurrent densities for hydrogen production, achieving levels comparable to those of conventional heavy-metal-based counterparts. Finally, this review concludes by addressing the present challenges and future prospects of these QDs, underlining crucial steps for their practical applications in solar hydrogen production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Cheol Lee
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hye Park
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Su-Il In
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
- Energy Science and Engineering Research Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwoong Yang
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
- Energy Science and Engineering Research Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang L, Chen Y, Lai Y, Zhao X, Zheng K, Wang R, Zhou Y. Highly efficient and stable tandem luminescent solar concentrators based on carbon dots and CuInSe 2-xS x/ZnS quantum dots. NANOSCALE 2023; 16:188-194. [PMID: 38018877 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05471c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Semi-transparent large-area luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have been considered an essential part of zero-energy or low-energy consuming buildings in the future. Inorganic colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are promising candidates for LSCs due to the advantages of a tunable bandgap, engineered large Stokes shift, and relatively high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield. However, LSCs that are fabricated using colloidal quantum dots exhibited an inferior stability under long-term illumination, demanding great efforts to explore the highly stable LSCs. Herein, we fabricated large-area (∼100 cm2) tandem LSCs based on highly stable carbon dots (CDs) and highly luminescent near-infrared emitting CuInSe2-xSx/ZnS (CuInSeS/ZnS) QDs. Coupled with a Si diode as a reference, the power conversion efficiency of the corresponding tandem (dimensions: 10 × 10 × 0.5 cm3) and single LSCs (dimensions: 10 × 10 × 0.3 cm3) based on CuInSeS/ZnS QDs under one sun illumination are 0.46% and 0.5%, respectively. For single CuInSeS/ZnS QD based LSCs at a low concentration (0.039 wt%), external and internal quantum efficiencies reach up to 2.87% and 36.37%, respectively. After UV illumination for 8 h, bottom LSCs based on CuInSeS/ZnS QDs retain 93.22% of the initial PL emission, which is higher than that of LSCs (∼80%) without the CD protection. The highly efficient and stable tandem LSCs employing green CDs and NIR CuInSeS/ZnS QDs as PL emitters pave the way for the realization of large area building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianju Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China.
| | - Yiqing Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China.
| | - Yueling Lai
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China.
| | - Xianglong Zhao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China.
| | - Kanghui Zheng
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China.
| | - Ruilin Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China.
- Engineering Research Center of Alternative Energy Materials & Devices, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Zhou
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Long Z, Tong X, Wang R, Channa AI, Li X, You Y, Xia L, Cai M, Zhao H, Wang ZM. Engineered Environment-Friendly Colloidal Core/Shell Quantum Dots for High-Efficiency Solar-Driven Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution. CHEMSUSCHEM 2022; 15:e202200346. [PMID: 35319829 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202200346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
"Green" colloidal quantum dots (QDs)-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells are promising solar energy conversion systems possessing environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and highly efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion. In this work, eco-friendly AgInSe (AISe)/ZnSe core/shell QDs with wurtzite (WZ) phase were synthesized for solar hydrogen production. It was demonstrated that appropriately engineering the ZnSe shell thickness resulted in effective surface defects passivation of the AISe core for suppressed charge recombination in the consequent core/shell AISe/ZnSe QDs. The fabricated environmentally friendly core/shell QDs-based PEC device exhibited improved photo-excited electrons extraction efficiency under optimized conditions and delivered a maximum photocurrent density as high as 7.5 mA cm-2 and long-term durability under standard AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm-2 ). These findings suggest that AISe/ZnSe core/shell QDs with tailored optoelectronic properties are potential light sensitizers for eco-friendly, cost-effective, and highly efficient solar energy conversion applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihang Long
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Xin Tong
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou, 313001, P. R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Ali Imran Channa
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, 04066, South Korea
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Yimin You
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Li Xia
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Mengke Cai
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Hongyang Zhao
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Zhiming M Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo H, Yang P, Hu J, Jiang A, Chen H, Niu X, Zhou Y. Band Structure Engineering and Defect Passivation of Cu x Ag 1-x InS 2/ZnS Quantum Dots to Enhance Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:9642-9651. [PMID: 35350365 PMCID: PMC8945144 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c07045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The AgInS2 colloidal quantum dot (CQD) is a promising photoanode material with a relatively wide band gap for photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar-driven hydrogen (H2) evolution. However, the unsuitable energy band structure still forms undesired energy barriers and leads to serious charge carrier recombination with low solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency. Here, we propose to use the ZnS shell for defect passivation and Cu ion doping for band structure engineering to design and synthesize a series of Cu x Ag1-x InS2/ZnS CQDs. ZnS shell-assisted defect passivation suppresses charge carrier recombination because of the formation of the core/shell heterojunction interface, enhancing the performance of PEC devices with better charge separation and stability. More importantly, the tunable Cu doping concentration in AgInS2 CQDs leads to the shift of the quantum dot band alignment, which greatly promotes the interfacial charge separation and transfer. As a result, Cu x Ag1-x InS2/ZnS CQD photoanodes for PEC cells exhibit an enhanced photocurrent of 5.8 mA cm-2 at 0.8 V versus the RHE, showing excellent photoelectrocatalytic activity for H2 production with greater chemical-/photostability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Guo
- School
of New Energy and Materials, Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Peng Yang
- School
of New Energy and Materials, Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Jie Hu
- School
of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic
Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Anqiang Jiang
- School
of New Energy and Materials, Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Haiyuan Chen
- School
of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic
Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Xiaobin Niu
- School
of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic
Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- School
of New Energy and Materials, Institute of Carbon Neutrality, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li J, Guan T, Tu D, Lian W, Zhang P, Han S, Wen F, Chen X. Highly efficient NIR-II luminescent I-III-VI semiconductor nanoprobes based on AgInTe 2:Zn/ZnS nanocrystals. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:2204-2207. [PMID: 35072671 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc05533j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Highly efficient luminescence of AgInTe2:Zn/ZnS nanocrystals with the maximum NIR-II quantum yield of 25.2% has been designed through elaborately manipulating the structure to reduce their internal and surface defects. These AgInTe2:Zn/ZnS nanoprobes were employed for sensitive homogeneous biodetection of xanthine oxidase with the limit of detection down to 25 nU L-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350116, China. .,CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, and State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Tianyong Guan
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350116, China. .,CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, and State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Datao Tu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350116, China. .,CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, and State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China.,Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Wei Lian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, and State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, and State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Siyuan Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, and State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Fei Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, and State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Xueyuan Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350116, China. .,CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, and State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China.,Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu JY, Tong X, Besteiro LV, Li X, Hu C, Liu R, Channa AI, Zhao H, Rosei F, Govorov AO, Wang Q, Wang ZM. Rational synthesis of novel "giant" CuInTeSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots for optoelectronics. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:15301-15310. [PMID: 34490860 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr04199a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
"Giant" core/shell quantum dots (g-QDs) are promising candidates for emerging optoelectronic technologies thanks to their facile structure/composition-tunable optoelectronic properties and outstanding photo-physical/chemical stability. Here, we synthesized a new type of CuInTeSe (CITS)/CdS g-QDs and regulated their optoelectronic properties by controlling the shell thickness. Through increasing the shell thickness, as-prepared g-QDs exhibited tunable red-shifted emission (from 900 to 1200 nm) and prolonged photoluminescence (PL) lifetimes (up to ∼14.0 μs), indicating a formed band structure showing efficient charge separation and transfer, which is further testified by theoretical calculations and ultrafast time-resolved transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. These CITS/CdS g-QDs with various shell thicknesses can be employed to fabricate photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells, exhibiting improved photoresponse and stability as compared to the bare CITS QD-based devices. The results indicate that the rational design and engineering of g-QDs is very promising for future QD-based optoelectronic technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yin Xu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China.
| | - Xin Tong
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China.
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou 313001, P. R. China
| | - Lucas V Besteiro
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China.
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications, 1650 Boul. Lionel Boulet, J3X 1S2 Varennes, Québec, Canada
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China.
| | - Chenxia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China.
| | - Ruitong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China.
| | - Ali Imran Channa
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China.
| | - Haiguang Zhao
- College of Physics & State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China
| | - Federico Rosei
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China.
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications, 1650 Boul. Lionel Boulet, J3X 1S2 Varennes, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China.
| | - Zhiming M Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China.
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou 313001, P. R. China
- Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ren S, Wang M, Wang X, Han G, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Vomiero A. Near-infrared heavy-metal-free SnSe/ZnSe quantum dots for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:3519-3527. [PMID: 33566048 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr09154e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production is one of the most effective strategies for solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion. Among various types of semiconductors used for PEC anodes, colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have been widely used as new and promising absorbers for PEC and other optoelectronic devices. However, currently, most efficient optoelectronic devices contain toxic Pb/Cd elements or non-earth-abundant elements (In/Ag). It is still a challenge to produce Pb/Cd-free QDs without using any toxic and non-earth-abundant elements. Here, we synthesized SnSe QDs via a diffusion-controlled hot injection approach and further stabilized the as-prepared SnSe QDs via a cation exchange reaction. The as-synthesized Zn-stabilized SnSe QDs (SnSe/ZnSe) have an orthorhombic crystal structure with indirect bandgaps ranging from 1 to 1.37 eV. Zn stabilization can significantly decrease the number of QD surface metallic Sn bonds, thereby decreasing the number of recombination centers of defects/traps. As a proof-of-concept, SnSe/ZnSe QDs are used as light absorbers for PEC hydrogen production, leading to a saturated photocurrent density of 7 mA cm-2, which is comparable to best values reported for PEC devices based on toxic-metal-free QDs. Our results indicate that Zn-stabilized SnSe QDs have great potential for use in emerging optoelectronic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shihuan Ren
- College of Textiles & Clothing, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China
| | - Maorong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles & College of Physics, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- College of Textiles & Clothing, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China
| | - Guangting Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles & College of Physics, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
| | - Yuanming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles & College of Physics, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
| | - Haiguang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles & College of Physics, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
| | - Alberto Vomiero
- Division of Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden and Department of Molecular Sciences and Nano Systems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venezia Mestre, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lei L, Huang D, Chen S, Zhang C, Chen Y, Deng R. Metal chalcogenide/oxide-based quantum dots decorated functional materials for energy-related applications: Synthesis and preservation. Coord Chem Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2020.213715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
11
|
Controllable modulation of precursor reactivity using chemical additives for systematic synthesis of high-quality quantum dots. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5748. [PMID: 33184282 PMCID: PMC7665041 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The optical and electronic performance of quantum dots (QDs) are affected by their size distribution and structural quality. Although the synthetic strategies for size control are well established and widely applicable to various QD systems, the structural characteristics of QDs, such as morphology and crystallinity, are tuned mostly by trial and error in a material-specific manner. Here, we show that reaction temperature and precursor reactivity, the two parameters governing the surface-reaction kinetics during growth, govern the structural quality of QDs. For conventional precursors, their reactivity is determined by their chemical structure. Therefore, a variation of precursor reactivity requires the synthesis of different precursor molecules. As a result, existing precursor selections often have significant gaps in reactivity or require synthesis of precursor libraries comprising a large number of variants. We designed a sulfur precursor employing a boron-sulfur bond, which enables controllable modulation of their reactivity using commercially available Lewis bases. This precursor chemistry allows systematic optimization of the reaction temperature and precursor reactivity using a single precursor and grows high-quality QDs from cores of various sizes and materials. This work provides critical insights into the nanoparticle growth process and precursor designs, enabling the systematic preparation of high-quality QD of any sizes and materials. Synthesis of high crystal quality quantum dots (QDs) requires optimization of reaction temperature and precursor reactivity. Here, the authors report precursor chemistry that enables controllable modulation of precursor reactivity using chemical additives, and systematically grow high-quality QDs from cores of various sizes and materials.
Collapse
|
12
|
Selopal GS, Mohammadnezhad M, Besteiro LV, Cavuslar O, Liu J, Zhang H, Navarro‐Pardo F, Liu G, Wang M, Durmusoglu EG, Acar HY, Sun S, Zhao H, Wang ZM, Rosei F. Synergistic Effect of Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles Decorated Carbon Nanotubes in Quantum Dots/TiO 2 for Optoelectronic Devices. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2001864. [PMID: 33101875 PMCID: PMC7578890 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Here, a facile approach to enhance the performance of solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is described by means of the synergistic effects of a hybrid network of plasmonic Au nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The device based on TiO2-Au:CNTs hybrid network sensitized with colloidal CdSe/(CdSe x S1- x )5/(CdS)1 core/alloyed shell quantum dots (QDs) yields a saturated photocurrent density of 16.10 ± 0.10 mA cm-2 [at 1.0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)] under 1 sun illumination (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm-2), which is ≈26% higher than the control device. The in-depth mechanism behind this significant improvement is revealed through a combined experimental and theoretical analysis for QDs/TiO2-Au:CNTs hybrid network and demonstrates the multifaceted impact of plasmonic Au NPs and CNTs: i) hot-electron injection from Au NPs into CNTs and TiO2; ii) near-field enhancement of the QDs absorption and carrier generation/separation processes by the plasmonic Au NPs; iii) enhanced photoinjected electron transport due to the highly directional pathways offered by CNTs. These results provide fundamental insights on the properties of QDs/TiO2-Au:CNTs hybrid network, and highlights the possibility to improve the performance of other solar technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Singh Selopal
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
- Centre ÉnergieMatériaux et TélécommunicationsInstitut National de la Recherché Scientifique1650 Boul. Lionel BouletVarennesQuébecJ3X 1S2Canada
| | - Mahyar Mohammadnezhad
- Centre ÉnergieMatériaux et TélécommunicationsInstitut National de la Recherché Scientifique1650 Boul. Lionel BouletVarennesQuébecJ3X 1S2Canada
| | - Lucas V. Besteiro
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
- Centre ÉnergieMatériaux et TélécommunicationsInstitut National de la Recherché Scientifique1650 Boul. Lionel BouletVarennesQuébecJ3X 1S2Canada
| | - Ozge Cavuslar
- Department of ChemistryKoc UniversityRumelifeneri Yolu, SariyerIstanbul34450Turkey
| | - Jiabin Liu
- Centre ÉnergieMatériaux et TélécommunicationsInstitut National de la Recherché Scientifique1650 Boul. Lionel BouletVarennesQuébecJ3X 1S2Canada
| | - Hui Zhang
- Centre ÉnergieMatériaux et TélécommunicationsInstitut National de la Recherché Scientifique1650 Boul. Lionel BouletVarennesQuébecJ3X 1S2Canada
| | - Fabiola Navarro‐Pardo
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
- Centre ÉnergieMatériaux et TélécommunicationsInstitut National de la Recherché Scientifique1650 Boul. Lionel BouletVarennesQuébecJ3X 1S2Canada
| | - Guiju Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bio‐Fibers and Eco‐Textiles & College of PhysicsQingdao UniversityNo. 308 Ningxia RoadQingdao266071P. R. China
| | - Maorong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bio‐Fibers and Eco‐Textiles & College of PhysicsQingdao UniversityNo. 308 Ningxia RoadQingdao266071P. R. China
| | - Emek G. Durmusoglu
- Department of ChemistryKoc UniversityRumelifeneri Yolu, SariyerIstanbul34450Turkey
| | - Havva Yagci Acar
- Department of ChemistryKoc UniversityRumelifeneri Yolu, SariyerIstanbul34450Turkey
| | - Shuhui Sun
- Centre ÉnergieMatériaux et TélécommunicationsInstitut National de la Recherché Scientifique1650 Boul. Lionel BouletVarennesQuébecJ3X 1S2Canada
| | - Haiguang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bio‐Fibers and Eco‐Textiles & College of PhysicsQingdao UniversityNo. 308 Ningxia RoadQingdao266071P. R. China
| | - Zhiming M. Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Federico Rosei
- Centre ÉnergieMatériaux et TélécommunicationsInstitut National de la Recherché Scientifique1650 Boul. Lionel BouletVarennesQuébecJ3X 1S2Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang C, Tong X, Wang W, Xu JY, Besteiro LV, Channa AI, Lin F, Wu J, Wang Q, Govorov AO, Vomiero A, Wang ZM. Manipulating the Optoelectronic Properties of Quasi-type II CuInS 2/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots for Photoelectrochemical Cell Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:36277-36286. [PMID: 32805789 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c11651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal core/shell heterostructured quantum dots (QDs) possessing quasi-type II band structure have demonstrated effective surface passivation and prolonged exciton lifetime, leading to enhanced charge separation/transfer efficiencies that are promising for photovoltaic device applications. Herein, we synthesized CuInS2 (CIS)/CdS core/shell heterostructured QDs and manipulated the optoelectronic properties via controlling the CdS shell thickness. The shell-thickness-dependent optical properties indicate the existence of a quasi-type II band structure in such core/shell QDs, which was verified by ultrafast spectroscopy and theoretical simulations. These quasi-type II core/shell QDs having various shell thicknesses are used as light absorbers for the fabrication of solar-driven QDs-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices, exhibiting an optimized photocurrent density of ∼6.0 mA/cm2 and excellent stability under simulated AM 1.5G solar illumination. The results demonstrate that quasi-type II CIS/CdS core/shell heterostructured QDs with tailored optoelectronic properties are promising to realize high-performance QDs-based solar energy conversion devices for the production of solar fuels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changmeng Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - Xin Tong
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - Wenhao Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Yin Xu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - Lucas V Besteiro
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications, 1650 Boul. Lionel Boulet, J3X 1S2 Varennes, Québec, Canada
| | - Ali Imran Channa
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - Feng Lin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Alexander O Govorov
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States
| | - Alberto Vomiero
- Division of Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30170 Venezia, Mestre, Italy
| | - Zhiming M Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhao H, Vomiero A, Rosei F. Tailoring the Heterostructure of Colloidal Quantum Dots for Ratiometric Optical Nanothermometry. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2000804. [PMID: 32468691 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202000804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are a fascinating class of semiconducting nanocrystals, thanks to their optical properties tunable through size and composition, and simple synthesis methods. Recently, colloidal double-emission QDs have been successfully applied as competitive optical temperature sensors, since they exhibit structure-tunable double emission, temperature-dependent photoluminescence, high quantum yield, and excellent photostability. Until now, QDs have been used as nanothermometers for in vivo biological thermal imaging, and thermal mapping in complex environments at the sub-microscale to nanoscale range. In this Review, recent progress for QD-based nanothermometers is highlighted and perspectives for future work are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiguang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
- College of Physics, University-Industry Joint Center for Ocean Observation and Broadband Communication, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Alberto Vomiero
- Division of Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, 971 87, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Science and Nano Systems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice Via Torino 155, Venezia Mestre, 30172, Italy
| | - Federico Rosei
- Centre for Energy, Materials and Telecommunications, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, 1650 Boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Québec, J3X1S2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Huang X, Tong X, Wang Z. Rational design of colloidal core/shell quantum dots for optoelectronic applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnlest.2020.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
16
|
Du W, Yu P, Zhu J, Li C, Xu H, Zou J, Wu C, Wen Q, Ji H, Liu T, Li Y, Zou G, Wu J, Wang ZM. An ultrathin MoSe 2 photodetector with near-perfect absorption. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:225201. [PMID: 32040948 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab746f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
An ultrathin near-perfect MoSe2 absorber working in the visible regime is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally, and it consists of a MoSe2/Au bi-layer film. The polymer-assisted deposition method is used to synthesize MoSe2 films, which can reduce the roughness and thus improve the film absorption. Simulation results show that the absorption of the absorber with 22 nm MoSe2 reaches to larger than 90% between 628.5 nm and 718 nm with a peak value up to 99.5% at 686 nm. Moreover, the measured absorption also shows near-perfect absorption of this simple absorber. Finally, an ultrathin photodetector is fabricated based on this perfect absorber and shows on/off reproducibility and remarkable photocurrent, which is three orders of magnitude higher than the dark current.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Du
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Huang WT, Yoon SY, Wu BH, Lu KM, Lin CM, Yang H, Liu RS. Ultra-broadband near-infrared emission CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots with high power efficiency and stability for the theranostic applications of mini light-emitting diodes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:8285-8288. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc03030a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Broadband near-infrared CuInS2/ZnS quantum with up to 94.8% quantum yield was synthesized with fast precursor decomposition. The better power efficiency and stability of CuInS2/ZnS mini-LED were performed with penetration tests and vein imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tse Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Advanced Research Center of Green Materials Science and Technology
- National Taiwan University
- Taipei 106
- Taiwan
| | - Suk-Young Yoon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Hongik University
- Seoul
- Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Han Wu
- Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd
- New Taipei City 238
- Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Mao Lu
- Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd
- New Taipei City 238
- Taiwan
| | - Chih-Min Lin
- Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd
- New Taipei City 238
- Taiwan
| | - Heesun Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Hongik University
- Seoul
- Republic of Korea
| | - Ru-Shi Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Advanced Research Center of Green Materials Science and Technology
- National Taiwan University
- Taipei 106
- Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Maity P, Ghosh HN. Strategies for extending charge separation in colloidal nanostructured quantum dot materials. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:23283-23300. [PMID: 31621729 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp03551f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Semiconductor colloidal metal chalcogenides (II-VI) in the form of quantum dots (QDs) and different heterostructures (core/shell, alloys, etc.) are of extensive interest in scientific research for both a fundamental understanding and technological applications because of their quantized size and different optical properties; however, due to their small size, the exciton (bound electron and hole) experiences a strong Coulombic attraction, which has a remarkable impact on the charge separation and photophysical properties of QDs. Thus, to achieve an efficient charge separation, numerous attempts have been made via the formation of different heterostructures, QD/molecular adsorbate (either organic or inorganic) assemblies, etc. These hybrid materials ameliorated the absorption of the incident light as well as charge separation. This article reviews the strategies for extending charge separation in these colloidal nanocrystals (NCs), which is one of the crucial steps to elevate the solar to electrical energy conversion efficiency in a quantum dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSC). The article summarizes the benefits of co-sensitization and experimental shreds of evidence for the multiple charge transfer processes involved in a QDSC. Studies have shown that in the co-sensitization process, prolonged charge separation occurs via the dual behavior of the molecular adsorbate, sensitization (electron injection) and capture of holes from photoexcited QDs. This perspective emphases band edge engineering and control of charge carrier dynamics in various core/shell structures. The impact of colloidal alloy NCs on charge separation and interesting photophysical properties was recapitulated via the steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopic techniques. Finally, the prolonged lifetime and extent of charge separation for these hybrid NCs (or the composites) assisted in the development of a better light harvester as compared to the case of their pure counterparts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Partha Maity
- Radiation and Photochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai-400085, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang C, Barba D, Zhao H, Tong X, Wang Z, Rosei F. Epitaxial growth and defect repair of heterostructured CuInSe xS 2-x/CdSeS/CdS quantum dots. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:19529-19535. [PMID: 31573586 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr06110j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Heterostructured quantum dots (hetero-QDs) have outstanding optical properties and chemical/photostability, which make them promising building blocks for use in various optoelectronic devices. Here, CuInSexS2-x/CdSeS/CdS hetero-QDs were synthesized through a facile two-step method. Their particle size, three-dimensional (3D) shapes and the epitaxial relationship between the CuInSexS2-x/CdSeS core and CdS shell were investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Our investigation proves that the as-synthesized hetero-QDs have a regular tetrahedron 3D shape with four {111} crystal facets. The epitaxial relationship between the CuInSexS2-x/CdSeS core and CdS shell is determined to be [110]core//[110]shell, {112}core//{111}shell. In situ HRTEM observations show that the screw dislocation inside the hetero-QDs can be efficiently repaired using e-beam irradiation. These results may help in designing hetero-QDs with high-quality interfaces and identifying the strategies for synthesizing defect-free hetero-QDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Varennes, Québec J3X 1S2, Canada.
| | - David Barba
- Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Varennes, Québec J3X 1S2, Canada.
| | - Haiguang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bo-Fibers and Eco-Textiles and College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xin Tong
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, PR China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, PR China
| | - Federico Rosei
- Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Varennes, Québec J3X 1S2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wu C, Zhang J, Tong X, Yu P, Xu JY, Wu J, Wang ZM, Lou J, Chueh YL. A Critical Review on Enhancement of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production by Molybdenum Disulfide: From Growth to Interfacial Activities. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1900578. [PMID: 31165564 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201900578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ultrathin 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2 ), which is the flagship of 2D transition-metal dichalcogenide nanomaterials, has drawn much attention in the last few years. 2D MoS2 has been banked as an alternative to platinum for highly active hydrogen evolution reaction because of its low cost, high surface-to-volume ratio, and abundant active sites. However, when MoS2 is used directly as a photocatalyst, contrary to public expectation, it still performs poorly due to lateral size, high recombination ratio of excitons, and low optical cross section. Besides, simply compositing MoS2 as a cocatalyst with other semiconductors cannot satisfy the practical application, which stimulates the pursual of a comprehensive insight into recent advances in synthesis, properties, and enhanced hydrogen production of MoS2 . Therefore, in this Review, emphasis is given to synthetic methods, phase transitions, tunable optical properties, and interfacial engineering of 2D MoS2 . Abundant ways of band edge tuning, structural modification, and phase transition are addressed, which can generate the neoteric photocatalytic systems. Finally, the main challenges and opportunities with respect to MoS2 being a cocatalyst and coherent light-matter interaction of MoS2 in photocatalytic systems are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuo Wu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Xin Tong
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Peng Yu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Yin Xu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Zhiming M Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Jun Lou
- Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Yu-Lun Chueh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan, ROC
- Frontier Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
You Y, Tong X, Wang W, Sun J, Yu P, Ji H, Niu X, Wang ZM. Eco-Friendly Colloidal Quantum Dot-Based Luminescent Solar Concentrators. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1801967. [PMID: 31065522 PMCID: PMC6498128 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201801967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have attracted significant attention as promising solar energy conversion devices for building integrated photovoltaic (PV) systems due to their simple architecture and cost-effective fabrication. Conventional LSCs are generally comprised of an optical waveguide slab with embedded emissive species and coupled PV cells. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have been demonstrated as efficient emissive species for high-performance LSCs because of their outstanding optical properties including tunable absorption and emission spectra covering the ultraviolet/visible to near-infrared region, high photoluminescence quantum yield, large absorption cross sections, and considerable photostability. However, current commonly used QDs for high-performance LSCs consist of highly toxic heavy metals (i.e., cadmium and lead), which are fatal to human health and the environment. In this regard, it is highly desired that heavy metal-free and environmentally friendly QD-based LSCs are comprehensively studied. Here, notable advances and developments of LSCs based on unary, binary, and ternary eco-friendly QDs are presented. The synthetic approaches, optical properties of these eco-friendly QDs, and consequent device performance of QD-based LSCs are discussed in detail. A brief outlook pointing out the existing challenges and prospective developments of eco-friendly QD-based LSCs is provided, offering guidelines for future device optimizations and commercialization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yimin You
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Xin Tong
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Wenhao Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Jiachen Sun
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Peng Yu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Haining Ji
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
- School of Materials and EnergyState Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Film and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Xiaobin Niu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
- School of Materials and EnergyState Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Film and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Zhiming M. Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Selopal GS, Mohammadnezhad M, Navarro-Pardo F, Vidal F, Zhao H, Wang ZM, Rosei F. A colloidal heterostructured quantum dot sensitized carbon nanotube-TiO 2 hybrid photoanode for high efficiency hydrogen generation. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2019; 4:404-414. [PMID: 32254093 DOI: 10.1039/c8nh00227d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen (H2) generation is a promising approach to harvest solar energy for the production of a clean chemical fuel. However, the low photon-to-fuel conversion efficiency and long-term stability of PEC devices are major challenges to be addressed to enable large-scale commercialization. Here we report a simple, fast and cost-effective approach to fabricate high efficiency and stable PEC devices for H2 generation, by fabricating a hybrid photoanode obtained by incorporating small amounts of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into a TiO2 mesoporous film and sensitizing with colloidal heterostructured CdSe/(CdSexS1-x)5/(CdS)2 quantum dots (QDs). The latter were specially designed to accelerate the exciton separation through a band engineering approach. The PEC devices based on the TiO2/QD-MWCNT (T/Q-M) hybrid photoanode with an optimized amount of MWCNTs (0.015 wt%) yield a saturated photocurrent density of 15.90 mA cm-2 (at 1.0 VRHE) under one sun illumination (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm-2), which is 40% higher than that of the reference device based on TiO2/QD (T/Q) photoanodes. This is attributed to a synergistic effect of the promising optoelectronic properties of the colloidal heterostructured QDs and improved electron transport (reduced charge transfer resistance) within the TiO2-MWCNT hybrid anodes enabled by the directional path of MWCNTs for the photo-injected electrons towards FTO. Furthermore, the PEC device based on the T/Q-M hybrid photoanode is more stable (∼19% loss of its initial photocurrent density) when compared with the T/Q photoanode (∼35% loss) after two hours of continuous one sun illumination. Our results provide fundamental insights and a different approach to improve the efficiency and long-term stability of PEC devices and represent an essential step towards the commercialization of this emerging solar-to-fuel conversion technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Singh Selopal
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Xu J, Tong X, Yu P, Wenya GE, McGrath T, Fong MJ, Wu J, Wang ZM. Ultrafast Dynamics of Charge Transfer and Photochemical Reactions in Solar Energy Conversion. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2018; 5:1800221. [PMID: 30581691 PMCID: PMC6299728 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201800221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
For decades, ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy has found its way into an increasing number of applications. It has become a vital technique to investigate energy conversion processes and charge transfer dynamics in optoelectronic systems such as solar cells and solar-driven photocatalytic applications. The understanding of charge transfer and photochemical reactions can help optimize and improve the performance of relevant devices with solar energy conversion processes. Here, the fundamental principles of photochemical and photophysical processes in photoinduced reactions, in which the fundamental charge carrier dynamic processes include interfacial electron transfer, singlet excitons, triplet excitons, excitons fission, and recombination, are reviewed. Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy techniques provide a good understanding of the energy/electron transfer processes. These processes, including excited state generation and interfacial energy/electron transfer, are dominate constituents of solar energy conversion applications, for example, dye-sensitized solar cells and photocatalysis. An outlook for intrinsic electron/energy transfer dynamics via TA spectroscopic characterization is provided, establishing a foundation for the rational design of solar energy conversion devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing‐Yin Xu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Xin Tong
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Peng Yu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Gideon Evans Wenya
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| | - Thomas McGrath
- Department of PhysicsLancaster UniversityLancasterLancashireLA14YWUK
| | | | - Jiang Wu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
- Department of Electronic and Electrical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E7JEUK
| | - Zhiming M. Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jakob M, Aissiou A, Morrish W, Marsiglio F, Islam M, Kartouzian A, Meldrum A. Reappraising the Luminescence Lifetime Distributions in Silicon Nanocrystals. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2018; 13:383. [PMID: 30488251 PMCID: PMC6261909 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-018-2785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The luminescence dynamics in ensembles of nanocrystals are complicated by a variety of processes, including the size-dependence of the radiative and non-radiative rates in inhomogeneous broadened samples and interparticle interactions. This results in a non-exponential decay, which for the specific case of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) has been widely modeled with a Kohlrausch or "stretched exponential" (SE) function. We first derive the population decay function for a luminescence decay following exp[- (t/τ)β]. We then compare the distributions and mean times calculated by assuming that either the luminescence decay or the population decay follows this function and show that the results are significantly different for β much below 1. We then apply these two types of SE functions as well as other models to the luminescence decay data from two thermally grown SiNC samples with different mean sizes. The mean lifetimes are strongly dependent on the experimental setup and the chosen fitting model, none of which appears to adequately describe the ensemble decay dynamics. Frequency-resolved spectroscopy (FRS) techniques are then applied to SiNCs in order to extract the lifetime distribution directly. The rate distribution has a half width of ~ 0.5 decades and mainly resembles a somewhat high-frequency-skewed lognormal function. The combination of TRS and FRS methods appear best suited to uncovering the luminescence dynamics of NC materials having a broad emission spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Jakob
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Amira Aissiou
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - William Morrish
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Frank Marsiglio
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Muhammad Islam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Aras Kartouzian
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhao H, Liu J, Vidal F, Vomiero A, Rosei F. Tailoring the interfacial structure of colloidal "giant" quantum dots for optoelectronic applications. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:17189-17197. [PMID: 30191225 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr04313b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are promising building blocks for the realization of future optoelectronic technologies, thanks to their size-tunable electronic and optical properties. Among various types of QDs, colloidal "giant" QDs (g-QDs, core/thick-shell) have been widely used in different applications, such as solar cells, light emitting devices, luminescent solar concentrators and photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production. However, g-QDs have a thick-shell which serves as a physical barrier for electron and hole transfer, leading to a slow charge transfer rate. In this work, we synthesized CdSe/CdSexS1-x/CdS core/shell/shell g-QDs with an intermediate CdSexS1-x alloyed layer. The presence of this interfacial layer largely improves the absorption of CdSe/CdS QDs, particularly in the 300-650 nm range. By engineering the interfacial layer, the holes can leak more into the CdS shell region compared to that of CdSe/CdS QDs. PEC devices based on alloyed g-QDs exhibit a 20% higher saturated photocurrent density (11 ± 0.5 mA cm-2) compared to CdSe/CdS QDs. In addition, after one-hour illumination (100 mW cm-2), the PEC cell based on alloyed g-QDs still exhibits a photocurrent density of 7.5 mA cm-2, maintaining 70% of its initial value. Such alloyed g-QDs are very promising for several emerging optoelectronic applications, where charge separation, transfer and transport play a critical role for the realization of high performance devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiguang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory & College of Physics, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, PR China.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|