A microwave synthesized CuxS and graphene oxide nanoribbon composite as a highly efficient counter electrode for quantum dot sensitized solar cells

Molybdenum sulfide-reduced graphene oxide p-n heterojunction nanosheets with anchored oxygen generating manganese dioxide nanoparticles for enhanced photodynamic therapy

In an unprecedented approach, p-n heterojunction nanosheets comprising ∼5 nm thick p-type MoS2 nanoplates integrated onto n-type nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (n-rGO) have been employed for photodynamic therapy (PDT). When near infrared (NIR) light with 980 nm wavelength was irradiated on this nanocomposite, effective electron-hole separation was obtained across the heterojunction. The nanosheets were modified with lipoic acid functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) to provide better biocompatibility and colloidal stability in physiological solution. The surface decorated 3-5 nm MnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) triggered the disproportionation of intracellular H2O2 which improved generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for enhanced PDT cancer therapy, studied in vitro. The role of N-doping in rGO and the effect of immobilization of MnO2 NPs were systematically investigated by control experiments. Our smartly designed p-MoS2/n-rGO-MnO2-PEG nanosheets outperform conventional PDT agents by overcoming limitations such as low absorption band, unfavourable bioavailability and limitations in tissue oxygenation.

Interface Engineering in Quantum-Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells

The unique properties of II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals such as superior light absorption, size-dependent optoelectronic properties, solution processability, and interesting photophysics prompted quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic (PV) technology. QDSSCs have advantages such as low-cost device fabrication, multiple exciton generation, and the possibility to push over the theoretical power conversion efficiency (PCE) limit of 32%. In spite of dedicated research efforts to enhance the PCE, optimize individual solar cell components, and better understand the underlying science, QDSSCs have unfortunately not lived up to their potential due to shortcomings in the fabrication process and with the QDs themselves. In this feature article, we briefly discuss the QDSSC concepts and mechanisms of the charge carrier recombination pathways that occur at multiple interfaces, viz., (i) metal oxide (MO)/QDs, (ii) MO/QDs/electrolyte, and (iii) counter electrode (CE)/electrolyte. The rational strategies that have been developed to minimize/block these charge recombination pathways are elaborated. The article concludes with a discussion of the present challenges in fabricating efficient devices and future prospects for QDSSCs.

Microwave-induced covalent functionalization of few-layer graphene with arynes under solvent-free conditions

A non-conventional modification of exfoliated few-layer graphene (FLG) with different arynes under microwave (MW) irradiation and solvent-free conditions is reported. The described approach allows reaching fast, efficient and mild covalent functionalization of FLG.

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

A comprehensive overview of the development of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) is presented.

Photoelectrical properties of CdS/CdSe core/shell QDs modified anatase TiO2 nanowires and their application for solar cells

Anatase TiO₂ nanowire (NW) films modified with inverted type-I CdS/CdSe core/shell structure QDs have been successfully prepared by the post synthesis ligand-assisted technique.

Phenomenal Ultraviolet Photoresponsivity and Detectivity of Graphene Dots Immobilized on Zinc Oxide Nanorods

A combination of dimensionally reduced graphene quantum dots (GQDs) having edge effects and the vertically aligned ZnO nanorods shows highly selective visible-blind ultraviolet (UV) sensing. The GQD immobilized ZnO nanorod heterostructure shows remarkable responsivity of ∼6.62 × 10⁴ A/W and detectivity of ∼1.78 × 10¹⁵ Jones under 365 nm (10 μW) incident light and 2 V bias potential with high stability of at least 5 cycles, fast response time of 2.14 s, and recovery time of 0.91 s. The grain boundary assisted electron transport across GQDs was calculated from the normalized absorption below bandgap. The highest UV responsivity and detectivity were found to be proportional to the lowest trap state density at the grain boundaries (Q_t) and minimum grain boundary potential (E_b). For the best GQD, Q_t and E_b were found to be ∼4 × 10¹³ cm^-2 and 0.4 meV, respectively. The phenomenal performance of ZnO-GQD heterostructure is attributed to the efficient immobilization of GQDs on ZnO nanorods and the idea of employing GQDs as photosensitizers than solely as electron transporting medium. The efficiency of GQDs is superior to carbon quantum dots (CQDs) containing minimal graphitic domains, and graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) having larger dimensions preventing their immobilization on ZnO nanorods.

Recent advances in counter electrodes of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

The recent progress in the development of counter electrodes (CEs) is reviewed, and the key issues for the materials, structures and performance evaluation of CEs are also addressed.