CdS/CdSe double-sensitized ZnO nanocable arrays synthesized by chemical solution method and their photovoltaic applications

A facile chemical solution method was reported for the first time to synthesize CdS/CdSe double-sensitized ZnO nanocable arrays. In this method, CdS was prepared by chemical bath deposition method, and CdSe was formed on the surface of CdS via ion exchange reaction thereafter. Comprehensive characterization techniques were carried out to study the composition, microstructure, and crystallinity of the sensitization layers. The CdS/CdSe ratio was revealed to be controllable by varying the temperature of ion exchange reaction. It was further demonstrated that sensitization of ZnO nanorods with CdS and CdSe exhibited enhanced light-harvesting ability. The photovoltaic performance of the double-sensitized ZnO nanocables in photoelectrochemical solar cells was evaluated. An increase in short-circuit current and an improvement of power conversion efficiency to 3.23% were achieved. In addition, the formation mechanism of the double-sensitizing layer is discussed in the Article.