Title: Ag2Se quantum dots for photovoltaic applications and ligand effects on device performance
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Authors: Ying Yang, Dequn Pan, Zheng Zhang, Tian Chen,  Huiyu Xie, Jing Gao, Xueyi Guo

Abstract: In this paper, solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with Ag2Se quantum dots (QDs) blocking layer are reported, three different bifunctional linker molecules such as mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), thioglycolic acid (TGA) and cysteine have been used to cap on TiO2 to link Ag2Se quantum dots. The linker molecule play a determinant role in well coverage loading of Ag2Se QDs and improve electron transport and recombination in device. The Ag2Se QDs can serve both as light absorber and charge blocking layer in device. The power conversion efficiency can be effectively enhanced and the highest one (4.38%) is achieved based on TiO2/cysteine/Ag2Se photoanode, showing 45% enhancement compared to that of the controlled one (3.03%).
Keywords: Ag2Se quantum dots；Blocking layer；Bifunctional linker molecules；Charge transport and recombination；Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell