Cu2ZnSnS4 Hierarchical Microspheres as an Effective Counter Electrode Material for Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells

We explore the application of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) microspheres as an effective counter electrode material for low-cost and high-efficiency quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Nearly monodisperse Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) hierarchical microspheres with diameters of ∼2 μm built from nanoflakes have been synthesized via a facile solvothermal approach. The nanoflakes are assembled from CZTS quantum dots with 3–5 nm, showing a three-tiered organization of hierarchical microspheres. The morphology, crystal structure, composition, and optical properties of the CZTS microspheres are characterized by SEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS, EDS, EELS, Raman, and UV–vis analysis. Chemical conversion and phase transformation from hexagonal CuS to tetragonal CZTS have been systematically investigated to reveal formation mechanism of the CZTS microspheres. These CZTS microspheres are used as an effective counter electrode material in QDSSCs for the first time to show high electrocatalytic activity for catalyzing reduction of polysulfide (S...

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