Synthesis and Characterization Cu+:InP/ZnSe1-xSx Quantum Dots

Abstract

Solar energy has been an important topic of research as an alternative energy source for fossil fuels. However, the photovoltaic (PV) cells currently commercialized are unsuitable for transparent surfaces (e.g. windows). Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) offer a solution for this particular problem, however, the current LSCs have low efficiencies due to reabsorption of photons emitted by the luminescent materials within the LSC. In this paper, research is performed on Cu+:InP/ZnSe1-xSx quantum dots (QDs), a potential luminescent material for LSCs with reduced reabsorption. Cu+:InP/ZnSe1-xSx QDs are synthesized utilizing a hot-injection synthesis, followed by post-synthesis doping and shell growth. Variation in shell thickness and copper dopant concentration are performed as well. The resulting samples are characterized with absorption and emission spectroscopy, time resolved emission spectroscopy, inductive coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy, and transient absorption spectroscopy. A down-shifted emission (600 meV) and a longer lifetime (one order of magnitude) are observed for the Cu+:doped system compared to the undoped system. Upon decreasing the Cu+ concentration in the QDs, the luminescence and lifetime increase, while increasing the shell increases the luminescence.