Real-time photovoltaic parameters assessment of carbon quantum dots showing strong blue emission

Carbon QD showing bright blue fluorescence aid in improving the photovoltaic parameters in a co-sensitized solar cell. Time-dependent I–V analysis revealed the real-time functioning of the device.

Synthesis and blue emission properties of Co-doped CdS semiconductor nanoparticles

Background: Cadmium sulfide (CdS) based semiconductors are of great interest for different high-end applications because it poses direct bandgap (2.42 eV). CdS are the primary constituent material in many applications, namely solar cells, electroluminescent, and quantum dot light-emitting diodes. Transition metal-doped CdS revealed considerable influence in the bandgap, photoluminescence properties, and peak energy upon increasing the metal content. Objective: In this work, we study the single-phase cubic structure of CdS. Photoluminescence spectra revealed a strong blue emission peak located at about 445 nm. Methods: We investigate the Co-doping CdS semiconductor nanoparticles prepared via the chemical co-precipitation method using thiophenol as a template, 300 °C/2h in vacuum optimum temperature, and annealing period to yield nanosized particles. Morphology and structural studies of the particles were using XRD and TEM, respectively. Results: XRD and TEM studies for the calcined samples revealed a cubic structure. The crystalline size was in the range of 10-17 nm. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to stabilize the temperature of annealing for the samples. Photoluminescence spectra revealed a strong blue emission peak around 445 nm, indicating surface states within the band gap region, a characteristic feature of nanoparticles. The blue shift in the spectra and the band gap value of Co-doped CdS nanoparticles was estimated using UV-vis absorption spectra. Conclusion: XRD analysis indicated zinc blende structure, and the intensity decreased with increasing Co content. TEM images show that the particles are spherical with average sizes around 13 nm. Luminescence of the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited blue emission between 400 – 500 nm, with the peak located at about 445 nm. The emission intensity increased with the increase in Co concentration.